Officials with Wake County Environmental Services and Animal Control said there was not enough evidence to issue a warrant for criminal charges against the driver.
Jeannie Shook, supervisor for the animal control department, said it was difficult to get criminal charges filed for animal cruelty and that the department has done all that it can legally.
The driver, however, was issued a citation for a $200 fine.
She told authorities that her husband had tied the animal, which animal hospital workers have called Buddy, to the bumper of the care while he was mowing the lawn. Meanwhile, she said, she drove off in the vehicle without knowing the dog was tied to the SUV.
Witnesses told authorities that the woman stopped the vehicle, unleashed the dog and left him by the road.
Authorities said Tuesday that the driver said she left the dog in the ditch to go to find help and that when she returned, it was gone.
Two people found the dog and took it to a nearby animal hospital for treatment. Veterinarians have said they expect Buddy to fully recovery before going to a new home.
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