Dog dragged hundreds of feet by light rail train at North Phoenix stop
Dog dragged by light rail train in Phoenix
A dog was badly injured after his owner and witnesses say he was caught in the door of the light rail train, and dragged for a couple blocks. FOX 10's Andrew Christiansen reports.
PHOENIX - A dog was dragged hundreds of feet and severely injured at a North Phoenix light rail stop near Rose Mofford Park.
What we know:
The dog, named Happy, was wearing a body harness on Oct. 6 when the doors of the light rail shut, trapping his leash. Happy was dragged and started bleeding while his owner shouted and cried out.
Happy suffered several injuries across his body. Images have been blurred due to its graphic nature.
What they're saying:
A witness stated Happy's leash became caught in the door while his owner was attempting to get off the light rail and dropped an item. The doors closed, causing the dog to be dragged by the train.
Witnesses attempted to alert the driver by pulling the emergency stop, though it took time before the light rail came to a halt.
"Luckily it was an animal and not a child. Two, it was a major safety concern. Three, the Department of Transportation regulations and anyone involved in a major incident or accident such as involving a commercial vehicle, which that technically is, should remain on the scene," an anonymous witness who saw the incident said.
Happy Ending:
Happy was subsequently treated by a veterinarian and is doing better.
What's next:
FOX 10 reached out to Valley Metro and is waiting to hear their perspective.
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from an anonymous eyewitness; and Andrew Christiansen, reporter with FOX 10 News.