A viral video showing a dog being beaten has led to the arrest of 34-year-old Justin Johnson, who now faces charges of aggravated animal cruelty. Memphis Animal Services, in collaboration with the Memphis Police Department, has taken the dog into custody, and treatment is underway for injuries sustained during the attack.
According to Action News 5, the dog, after a concerned public, Memphis Animal Services officers, and the MPD quickly intervened now has the chance of a full recovery from her injuries, the dog from the distressing footage is safe within the care of Memphis Animal Services. A statement from the shelter expressed gratitude for "the swift response and collaboration between the public, our officers, and MPD to ensure the animal's safety."
In the incident, which was caught on camera outside Dodge’s Chicken on South Third Street, footage depicted Johnson hitting the dog inside his car's backseat. The video of the beating, which has since garnered thousands of views, elicited shock and outrage amongst viewers. The manhunt for Johnson began when video tips were followed up by investigators, as reported by FOX13 Memphis. "We have that video. We’ve gotten tips on that video, and we are actively investigating this with the Memphis Animal Shelter. It’s a joint investigation," Officer Theresa Carlson revealed.
The suspect fled the scene with the dog in a white Kia; however, the authorities were able to locate and rescue the dog, now identified as Brixleigh, and start her on the path to recovery, according to WREG.
Public opinion has been split on the matter, with some acknowledging the brutality of the act and others suggesting the owner may not have committed a crime because he "owns the dog, and he feeds the dog 365 days out of the year" – a disputed stance presented by observer Hubert Jones during an interview with FOX13 Memphis. Nonetheless, Officer Carlson urges anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
