Dog Thrown From Moving Minivan Dies

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — The mixed-breed dog thrown out of a moving minivan in New Port Richey on Friday has died from his injuries as the search for the person responsible continues.

Joe, as he was named following his rescue, died during surgery on Monday. He suffered a broken pelvis and injuries to his diaphragm during the Friday incident.

St. Francis Veterinary Hospital in Spring Hill reported Joe's death in a statement posted on its website.

"It is with a heavy heart that we report due to severe internal injuries 'Joe' did not survive the procedure to fix his diaphragm," the statement said. "We would like to thank the community for the outpouring of support we have seen over this past weekend. Heaven has gained another angel."

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the search for the minivan’s driver began Friday morning when the dog was thrown out near the intersection of Orchid Lake Road and Floral View Way.

Witnesses told the sheriff’s office the driver of the van, a woman, tossed the dog out and kept on going. The woman is described as being about 45 years old. She is heavy set and has blonde hair that was pulled back into a ponytail at the time of the incident. The woman also wears glasses, the agency noted on its Facebook page.

The van is believed to be white or grey in color.

Pasco County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Eddie Daniels Jr. confirmed Tuesday the search for the person responsible for Joe’s injuries continues. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office tips line at 800-706-2488.

Photo courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page

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