In a concerning incident on the Las Vegas Strip, police arrested a man accused of pinning a puppy to the unbearably hot pavement. The event unfolded on August 12, when officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department were conducting a routine patrol and received reports about a man reportedly “forcefully holding a small dog to the ground.”
Eyewitnesses, including a professional dog trainer, expressed alarm upon seeing the man, identified as Tommy Chen, holding the puppy in such a manner. The trainer approached Chen, encouraging him to ease his grip, but Chen refused to comply, prompting the concerned witness to alert law enforcement.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Chen with a backpack and his hand on the puppy’s back. According to the arrest report, Chen claimed he was attempting to encourage the dog to relieve itself so he could return to his hotel. However, police noted that Chen had turned the puppy onto its side and was holding it down, resulting in the dog barking in distress. After ignoring multiple commands to release the animal, officers had no choice but to restrain Chen.
In the course of the arrest, authorities discovered a semi-automatic pneumatic gun capable of firing .68 caliber pepper pellets in Chen’s backpack. As a result, he now faces several charges, including carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, resisting arrest, and depriving an animal of shelter, sustenance, and medical care.
Following his arrest, Chen was released on bail the next day under conditions that include refraining from contact with domesticated animals and avoiding alcoholic beverages. Chen’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 15.
This disturbing incident not only raises questions about animal welfare but also highlights the vigilance of bystanders in protecting vulnerable creatures in our communities.
