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(Des Moines, IA) -- A Des Moines man is in custody facing multiple charges, including animal torture.
Des Moines Police say around 10pm Thursday night, officers responded to reports of an injured dog in the roadway in the 3900 block of Grand Avenue. Police learned that the dog had been taken by witnesses and its owner, 60 year-old Patrick Cornick, to an emergency veterinary clinic. The investigation found that Cornick had been driving at high speeds with the dog dragging outside the vehicle by its leash, which eventually broke, leaving the seriously injured dog lying in the roadway.
Police arrested Cornick, who officers say showed signs of drug-based impairment. DMPD says officers also found a THC vape and drug paraphernalia in Cornick's possession. Cornick now faces the following charges:
- Animal Torture (aggravated misdemeanor)
- OWI - 1st Offense (serious misdemeanor)
- Possession of a controlled substance (serious misdemeanor)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor)
DMPD says the dog is receiving advanced medical treatment from the Animal Rescue League after suffering broken bones and extensive abrasions.