A dog was dragged hundreds of feet by a Phoenix light rail train after its lead became trapped in a closing door at a North Phoenix station, leaving the animal with severe injuries.
Happy, who was wearing a body harness, was caught in the incident near Rose Mofford Park on 6 October. Witnesses said the dog’s owner was trying to leave the train when she dropped an item and the doors closed on the lead.
As the train moved away, Happy was pulled along the track and began bleeding. His owner shouted for help while passengers tried to alert the driver and activate the emergency stop.
One witness said it took time for the train to come to a halt. The dog suffered multiple injuries across his body, although images of the aftermath were blurred because of their graphic nature.
“Luckily it was an animal and not a child,” the witness said, describing the incident as a major safety concern. The witness also questioned whether those involved in what they considered a serious incident should have remained at the scene.
Happy was taken to a vet and is now recovering, according to the report.
Valley Metro had been contacted for a response but had not commented at the time of publication.
