Dog recovers while owner behind bars

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A dog is now at the SPCA scared and in pain, after being dragged by a moving car.

Shawntelle Fanin said she saw 36-year-old Daniel Delaney driving a yellow SUV Sunday down Arkansas Street with his own dog dragging behind.

Witness Shawntelle Fanin said, “The dog was crying the dog was awfully scared and shaking. It never moved after the man stopped the car.”

The young pit bull named Gotti is being cared for by veterinarians at the Erie County SPCA.

Erie County SPCA Executive Director Barbara Carr said, “His pads are ripped off his feet. It's going to take a long time for that to grow back or even to be healed."

Sources tell News 4, Delaney was stopped and later arrested on Arkansas Street by a K9 officer who was flagged down. Witnesses say he was traveling about 30 miles an hour with the dog chained to the back of his truck.

While Barbara Carr says Delaney is very remorseful for his actions, she reminds people that pet owners need to be vigilant in the care of their animals.

Carr said, “If you have a pet, if you have a child, if you have something that you're supposed to be responsible for, being remorseful is certainly not an excuse."

Delaney pleaded not guilty to aggravated cruelty to animals in Buffalo City Court, but is being held on $25,000 bail.