Dog Likely Dead Before Dragged

GARDEN GROVE —  A Dalmatian probably was either dead or near death when its owner tied the dog to the bumper of his truck, drove off and dumped it in an alley, officials said Saturday.

A necropsy report showed that the year-old dog apparently died from a canine virus, bolstering claims by its owner, who contended that he was only trying to get rid of the carcass. He was arrested Thursday on suspicion of animal cruelty.

“It appears the dog had succumbed to some kind of death before it was dragged by its owner,” said Garden Grove Sgt. Joe Johnson.

The dog’s owner, Benjamin Albarez, 44, told police that the animal was dead when he attached its leash to his truck and hauled it to a trash bin near his home at Trask Avenue and Clinton Street. He didn’t put it in the truck because it smelled bad, according to his wife.

Albarez was arrested after an undercover officer from the Los Angeles Police Department saw his truck pulling the dog and called local police. . Albarez remains in Orange County Jail on $10,000 bail, officials said.

“Maybe the owner didn’t know any better and just tried to dispose of the dog,” Johnson said. “It was bad judgment. He’s liable for some type of violation, so there will be charges.”

Results from the necropsy by the veterinary division of the Orange County Health Care Agency indicated that the dog apparently had parvo, a virus that typically infects the intestinal lining and causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea and lethargy. The infection can be avoided by a vaccine, but it is costly to treat, said Travis Scott, a pet nurse at a local animal clinic.

Albarez’s family had said they had tended to the sick dog for most of Wednesday night, giving it water from an eyedropper and putting a blanket around it. They did not call a veterinarian about the dog’s condition, the family said.

Investigators believe the Dalmatian was already dead because there was no bleeding from the abrasions on its left side caused by being dragged, Johnson said.

However, dumping an animal on a public street is a violation of county health and safety codes, officials said. The district attorney’s office will decide whether to reduce the charges.