Two Miami men were arrested in Flagler County after deputies discovered two dogs and two pigeons in distress inside the cargo area of a U-Haul truck, according to the sheriff’s office.
Incident Details
Deputies responded to a gas station — the RaceTrac at 301 Palm Coast Parkway NE — after someone reported seeing a dog trying to climb out of the back of the moving U-Haul. Body-camera footage captured the moment deputies watched as the truck’s cargo area was opened. Deputies said both dogs were panting heavily when the door was opened, adding the animals were struggling to stand and had been lying in their own urine.
Deputies also heard chirping coming from the truck and found pigeons being stored inside. The family told deputies they were in the middle of a move from Miami to Savannah, Georgia, and they put the dogs in the cargo box because their other vehicle felt too crowded. However, deputies determined there was room in the family’s other vehicle to carry both dogs.
Angel Valdes, 70, and his son, Roy Valdes Hernandez, 35, were arrested and charged with animal cruelty. Both men have since been released on bond. The animals were taken to East Coast Animal Hospital for emergency treatment.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said, ‘If you wouldn’t ride in a metal box in 102-degree heat with no air, don’t force an animal to do it. This family had room to bring their dogs up front, but chose to let them cook in the back of a U-Haul instead. Remember, if it has a heartbeat don’t leave it unattended in any vehicle, especially in the current heat wave we are having.’
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
