Associated Press

BEND, Ore. - A central Oregon prosecutor said he agrees with sheriff's investigators that the case of a severely injured pit bull-mix dog dragged by a car traveling an estimated 40-50 mph was "a tragic accident and not a criminal act."

So Deschutes County District Attorney Patrick Flaherty said Friday that no charges will be filed.

Flaherty said the dog now called Chance continues to recover at BrightSide Animal Center in Redmond. His recovery is expected to take months.

Sheriff's Lt. Scott Beard has said an investigation showed the dog jumped out of a vehicle and the owners did immediately start looking for him.

The dog was found July 22 by a passing motorist - more than a day after he was injured.

Flaherty also said Friday that at least three people saw the dog being dragged down the highway but didn't call 911 or come forward until the story drew widespread attention.