Man investigated for beating badly injured dog

Friday, March 27, 2009

(03-27) 09:39 PDT Escondido, Calif. (AP) --

Animal control investigators are trying to determine whether a man committed a crime when he beat a dog with a hammer-like object after it was struck by cars.

The man told investigators he was trying to euthanize Lucy, a 2-year-old Weimaraner, after seeing the animal hit by three vehicles.

"He said he felt it was in the best interest of the animal to put it out of its misery and suffering," said Dan DeSousa, a spokesman for the San Diego County Animal Services Department.

Investigators plan to present their findings Friday to prosecutors, who must determine if the man acted maliciously and intentionally to harm the animal.

DeSousa declined to release the man's name because he was still under investigation.

Lucy was hit after escaping from a Valley Center home. Witnesses say they were trying to help the injured dog when the man ordered everyone to back away.

"She was screaming and bouncing around, and he was beating, beating, beating on her," Mike Goss said.

The man left the scene before a deputy arrived. The dog was so badly injured the deputy had to shoot her, sheriff's Sgt. Bob Niderost said.

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