Defendant allegedly dragged puppy behind bicycle
BY TERRY SMITH
A 46-year-old Ketchum man has been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty for allegedly dragging an English bulldog puppy behind a bicycle, leading to the death of the animal.
Matthew Michael Muer was arrested shortly before noon on Saturday near the intersection of Warm Springs Road and Lewis Street on Idaho criminal charge 25-3505, which is titled “Carry/Torture-In a Cruel Manner-Animals.” The crime is punishable in Idaho by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
Muer was released from custody later after posting bond.
Ketchum police reported that they were alerted to the incident by a woman who saw Muer walking his bike with the dog being dragged behind. Police, who were directing traffic because of construction in the area, contacted Muer and questioned him before placing him under arrest.
The dog was taken to a local veterinarian but died later from injuries.
Police reported that Muer said he owned the animal but was not aware that the dog had stopped following behind and was being dragged instead.
Police further reported that there were indications that Muer was intoxicated.
About an hour before Muer was arrested, he crashed on his bicycle near the Mountain Rides Transportation Authority bus stop on the south side of Warm Springs Road near its intersection with Lewis Street. He was slow to get up after the crash, but said he was not injured.
Muer was not carrying the dog when he crashed but it was brought to him a few minutes later by a man he said was his son. Muer left the scene pushing his bicycle, and carrying the dog in his arms.