‘It was love at first sight’: Dog dragged by car in DeKalb County gets new home

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A DeKalb County puppy at the center of a horrific animal abuse case is getting a second chance at life.

Laydon, a 10-month-old dog, was adopted at DeKalb County Animals Services.

Anastasiia Kulchytska, his new owner, said she took him home on Halloween.

“It was love at first sight,” Kulchytska said.

Kulchystska said Laydon loves to play, kiss and run around in the backyard.

She said his story tugged at her heartstrings.

“I just want to give him the new beginning,” Kulchytska said.

Surveillance video shows an unidentified man dragging Laydon and another dog behind a car at Redan Recreation Center in Lithonia in early September. The suspect drove off and left the dogs.

Laydon was treated for serious injuries at DeKalb County Animal Services.

Authorities said the other dog died. The suspect is still on the run.

“Seeing his scars just breaks my heart knowing that they are there,” said Kulchystska.

She said Laydon has made a full recovery and is back to being a puppy again.

“He’s been so great. He’s just a super loving dog who wants to give kisses to everyone,” Kulchystska said.

Kulchystska said she hopes the man responsible is brought to justice.

“Bringing him a new life, a new chapter. It’s a reward for me as well because he’s in a safe place,” she said.

PETA is offering up to $10,000 for information. With the addition of the $6,000 reward offered by local animal protection groups, the total reward in this case is now $16,000.

Anyone with information is asked to call the DeKalb County Animal Enforcement tip line at (404) 294-2939 or the DeKalb County Police Department at (404) 294-2911.