Lowell Man Accused Of Dragging Pit Bull From Van Calls Incident 'Major Accident'

LOWELL (CBS) -- A Lowell man accused of dragging his pit bull from the side of a moving van appeared in court Thursday.

Timothy Nicholas, 60, is facing a charge of Cruelty to Animals after allegedly dragging his 2-year-old pit bull on Hildreth Street last month. Multiple people called police to report the incident.

"It's pretty horrific. I mean really really nasty injuries," said Lowell Police Captain Timothy Crowley.

Nicholas told responding officers that he had tied up the dog and forgot when he drove away.

"I love that dog. It was a major accident. I drove him to vet myself," Nicholas said outside the courthouse. "I cleaned up his paws. I stopped the van, they said the police came and stopped it. I stopped the van myself."

The dog, named Buddy, suffered severe injuries to its paws, legs and stomach but survived after having emergency surgery.

"I realize it's probably not an intentional act, but it seems highly irresponsible," Capt. Crowley said.

A judge released Nicholas on personal recognizance Thursday and ordered him to stay away from animals. If convicted, he faces possible $5,000 fine and up to7 years in prison. He is due back in court on July 18.