bowling68
Well-Known Member
Four pups got a load of wind in their ears in a perilous ride along an Ohio highway that had them caged on top of a cruising minivan.
Akron police came to the rescue after drivers trailing the Mennonite family’s van for some time on Interstate 76 called 911, fearing for the young dogs’ lives.
“The puppies are traumatized, but I think they’ll come around with a little love and attention,” Sgt. Kris Beitzel told the Beacon Journal.
The dogs "weren't acting like puppies" after the hour-long ordeal that spanned 50 miles, KNXV-TV reported. The dogs are otherwise OK.
Attempts by the Daily News to reach Akron police — to clarify if the cage was harnessed to the vehicle — were not immediately returned.
The wind had whipped up a blanket covering the cage, exposing the dogs to a fast-moving world of concerned motorists zipping by.
Wendell Steiner, of Nova, was behind the wheel of the van for the entirety of the journey and claims he had had no idea it was against the law to lodge the dogs on top of a moving vehicle.
“If I had known, I’d never agree to it,” Steiner said to officers.
His young children, Veronica and Cynthia, sullenly watched as four police officers took the dogs away into the custody of animal control, photos by the Beacon Journal show.
The dogs were bound for Chambersburg, Pa. to live with his wife’s family.
No charges are expected to be filed against Steiner due to “cultural issues,” Beitzel explained, adding that Steiner was simply unaware that what he was doing was wrong.
Mennonites, a religious sect with close heritage ties to the Amish, are more accustomed to modern life, but still uphold traditional dress and conservative beliefs.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/caged-puppies-rescued-ohio-cops-top-van-article-1.2190122
Ignorance is no excuse.