Couple helps rescue dog seen being pulled on chain behind vehicle: ‘How anyone could do that’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - A couple going for a walk over the weekend in their neighborhood said they were shocked by what they saw.

Shelby and Adison Harvat said they discovered a lost dog on Skyridge Drive on Sunday morning.

They were trying to find its owner when neighbors came together and sent them videos, showing the animal being pulled by a chain behind a vehicle driving in the neighborhood.

The security camera videos captured what appeared to be a silver Nissan Altima driving up and down the road around 9:30 a.m. with the young dog chained to the back of the car.

“It blows my mind that somebody would be just openly in the middle of a Sunday doing that around the neighborhood,” Adison Harvat said.

The videos show the dog running behind the vehicle, trying to keep up with it.

The Harvats said the chain apparently snapped at some point, allowing them to find and rescue the animal.

“When we got him, he wasn’t eating, drinking, or making any movement or any type of noise at all. His tail was tucked between his legs, and he was hiding,” Adison Harvat said.

The couple brought the dog inside and contacted the Metro non-emergency line. Metro Animal Care and Control picked up the dog on Monday and said it is currently investigating the situation.

Despite the ordeal, the dog was not injured.

“It’s terrible how anyone could do that to an animal. And this dog is the sweetest thing ever,” Shelby Harvat said. “How could you ever do that? And just chain him up behind a car?”

The Harvats said the shaking, timid animal began showing his playful personality within a day.

“He instantly got excited that we were downstairs. He’s going in between your legs, and his tail’s wagging. He did a full 180, within one day,” Adison Harvat said.

The couple said they want to help authorities find the license plate number of the vehicle. They said whoever was responsible needs to be held accountable, whether the incident was a cruel game or punishment.

“Don’t just jump into getting a dog if you can’t take care of them. They deserve to be treated the same way that we all do,” Adison Harvat said.

At first they were trying to find a foster or someone to adopt the dog, but officials said they have to keep him while the case is open.

The Harvats hope it can be closed soon so the dog can find a loving family.