LAKE WORTH, Fla. (CBS12) — Lorenzo Franco Alcocer, 40, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after three Chihuahuas were allegedly dragged behind his pickup truck, leaving them visibly injured and distressed.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) responded to a call on Monday at 10:55 p.m. regarding the horrific scene on Nancy Drive in Lake Worth. A witness reported seeing the three small dogs, believed to be Chihuahuas, being dragged behind the truck at a speed of 15-20 mph. The caller followed the truck for several hundred feet, honking to alert the driver.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the truck eventually stopped at the intersection of Melaleuca Lane and Marks Way, where a verbal altercation ensued between Alcocer and the witness. The witness, who had recorded video footage of the incident, told deputies that Alcocer then collected the dogs, placed them in the vehicle, and drove off.
The video footage, provided to PBSO, showed the dogs tied to the trailer hitch. One dog was on its back, and the others were struggling to keep up while being dragged by their collars.
PBSO tracked Alcocer’s location using his license plate, and when they arrived at his home, they found the dogs locked in a cage outside, whimpering in pain and visibly injured. The dogs showed signs of distress and had rashes but were not believed to have life-threatening injuries.
When questioned, Alcocer claimed he had tied the dogs to his truck to allow them to relieve themselves. He stated that he forgot they were still tied to the truck while meeting someone for a job. Although he admitted to not taking the dogs to a veterinarian, he said he intended to do so.
The three Chihuahuas were taken by Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control for treatment and care. PBSO is continuing their investigation into the incident.
Alcocer faces serious charges, including aggravated animal cruelty, for his actions that left the dogs in pain and distress. The case has sparked outrage in the local community, and officials are committed to ensuring that the dogs receive the necessary care and that Alcocer faces appropriate legal consequences.
