A husky named "Sweetie" has been rescued by Merced, California, police following numerous reports of alleged abuse by her homeless owner. The investigation is ongoing, with officers collecting evidence to potentially file criminal charges with the Merced County District Attorney's Office.
Merced police Lieutenant Kalvin Haygood stated that the department has been gathering evidence for weeks. The allegations include a report from a Merced resident who witnessed the owner dragging Sweetie on hot pavement while riding a bicycle. Another account from the president of Merced's SPCA detailed observing the owner pick the dog up by the neck and slam her to the ground. A video also reportedly shows the man pulling Sweetie by the collar, causing her to yelp.
Authorities are also investigating a separate alleged abuse incident involving the dog that occurred outside a Taco Bell on August 7. This incident followed a previous instance where police had taken Sweetie to a veterinarian for evaluation. At that time, the dog was deemed healthy enough to be returned to her owner.
Following the Taco Bell incident, Sweetie was taken into protective custody again, a decision supported by some Merced residents who have been advocating for the husky. However, some residents have expressed that the police investigation is taking too long. Haygood acknowledged that building such cases takes time and appealed for anyone with further evidence to come forward.
Photos circulating online have shown Sweetie in distress, including images of the dog struggling with a tight muzzle. The police are working to compile a case for the District Attorney's Office to review for potential criminal charges.