An Texas dog owner is facing animal cruelty charges after witnesses said he dragged the animal behind a pickup truck.

Veterinarians were treating the animal, which was recovering in Mineral Wells, west of Fort Worth in Palo Pinto County.

Charley’s owner claims he was actually holding the dog by the leash while driving, but witnesses told police that the man, J.R. Rosamond, had Charley tied to the bumper of his truck.

Humane Society officials said they feared Rosamond will try to retain custody of Charley.

Charley has about six weeks before he’s fully recovered, then he’ll be put up for adoption.

The Palo Pinto Humane Society was helping to pay for Charley’s veterinarian care.