safety
Woman arrested after witnesses report her dragging puppy by leash, leaving paws bloody in Nashville
By Tony Garcia at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A woman is facing multiple charges after reportedly mistreating her puppy and assaulting officers during her arrest over the weekend in Nashville .According to arrest affidavits, people called 911 to report that a woman was mistreating her dog on Nelson Merry Street, acro...
Key takeaway Officers with the Metro Nashville Police Department arrived and spoke to 25-year-old Nykeira Collier, who told them she was simply taking her puppy to the dog park.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The arrest of Nykeira Collier on animal cruelty charges raises concerns about the welfare of animals in Nashville's public spaces. The fact that witnesses were able to intervene and report the incident to 911 suggests that the community is vigilant about animal abuse, but it also highlights the need for continued education and awareness about animal welfare. The involvement of Metro Animal Care & Control officers in taking the dog into custody is a positive step, as it ensures the animal will receive proper care and attention. However, the incident also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with individuals who may become violent when confronted about their actions, as seen in Collier's alleged assault on the officers. As the case moves forward, it will be important to monitor how the city's animal control services and law enforcement agencies work together to prevent similar incidents and ensure that those who abuse animals are held accountable.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A woman is facing multiple charges after reportedly mistreating her puppy and assaulting officers during her arrest over the weekend in Nashville.According to arrest affidavits, people called 911 to report that a woman was mistreating her dog on Nelson Merry Street, acro...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tony Garcia at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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