Pre-trial release granted for Ford Heights man accused of dragging dog tied to truck hitch

FORD HEIGHTS, Ill. (WGN) — A man accused of badly injuring a dog by dragging it behind his truck along a road in the South Suburbs earlier this month is now facing a felony charge.

Vianey Madrid-Segura, a 34-year-old Ford Heights resident, has been charged with one felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals.

According to officials from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the charge stems from an incident that allegedly unfolded around 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, along Seeley Avenue.

Officers in the area stopped Madrid-Segura’s silver pickup truck after they allegedly spotted it dragging a badly injured brown Yorkie that was tied to the hitch.

After stopping the truck, officers rendered aid to the dog, a 5-year-old female who had suffered severe wounds to her body, including trauma to all four paws and debris in her abdomen.

Following the stop, officers issued a citation to Madrid-Segura for driving without a license. They then contacted the Sheriff’s Police Animal Crimes Unit to continue a probe into the incident.

Further investigation later revealed that Madrid-Segura had allegedly tied the dog to the truck hitch to let it use the bathroom, but later drove off with her still tied up.

Days later, on Aug. 6, Madrid-Segura was taken into custody. He was then cited and released pending an initial court appearance on Monday.

During his Monday court appearance, a petition to detain him pre-trial was denied.

A day after the traffic stop, the injured dog, who officers say will require ongoing treatment, was returned to her owner, a relative of the suspect.

Authorities did not provide a booking photo for Madrid-Segura.

Suburban man accused of dragging dog tied to truck