YUDIEL NAVARRO-VELAZQUEZ arrested on accusations of dragging a dog behind a vehicle for 3.5 miles; dog later found dead

- South Carolina, USA -

Update: August 31, 2026

I emailed the Horry County Police Department to inquire about the dogs. A spokesperson for the department told me that the breed of the deceased dog is currently unidentifiable because of the condition in which he/she was found. Police also do not have information about the deceased dog’s age or sex.

Regarding the two dogs found at NAVARRO-VELAZQUEZ’s home, police said one is a male Malinois named Rocky, approximately 1½ years old. The other is a female German Shepherd puppy between 6 and 8 months old. Police said they are unsure of the puppy’s name.

~ Original story:

The Horry County Police Department announced the arrest of 26-year-old YUDIEL NAVARRO-VELAZQUEZ (pictured).

According to a press release issued by police, officers responded to the Loris area on August 28, 2026, after a witness reported seeing a dog being dragged behind a vehicle along Cherry Hill Road.

The investigation led officers to a home on Harvey Road, where police said they found the vehicle involved in the incident and the deceased dog.

According to police, investigators determined that the dog had been tied to the back of the vehicle and dragged approximately 3.5 miles before the driver, NAVARRO-VELAZQUEZ, stopped, placed the dog inside the vehicle and returned home.

Officers arrested NAVARRO-VELAZQUEZ and transported him to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, where he was booked on one felony count of animal cruelty.

At NAVARRO-VELAZQUEZ’s home, officers also found two dogs that police determined had been mistreated, resulting in NAVARRO-VELAZQUEZ being additionally charged with two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.

Police advised that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional information will be released as appropriate.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is based on the press release issued by the Horry County Police Department. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

Mugshot shared from the Horry County Police Department.

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