It appears no law was broken, but common decency did not prevail after Gary Eury’s service dog, Briggs, was struck Monday night by a motorist who did not stop.

Salisbury Police said the incident happened just before 9 p.m. near Parkview Circle and Mahaley Avenue.

Eury, 28, saw the oncoming vehicle, a dark colored Toyota, and made it across the street. Briggs was along the side of the road and Eury gave his leash a pull, but it was too late.

The vehicle struck the dog and dragged him a short distance. The vehicle did not stop and police said the impact ripped the Toyota emblem off the vehicle.

Two officers, J.S. Lakey and J.J. Scrip, placed the dog inside a K-9 unit, along with Eury and went to the Cabarrus Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Kannapolis. Medical personnel said Briggs’ back was broken and Eury had no choice but to put the dog to sleep.

Police have said there is no clear law that was broken, but it is merely common courtesy for motorists to stop.