LAKE CO. – On Tuesday, February 11, the Indiana State Police were notified of a Facebook post of an SUV pulling an open utility trailer that contained an unsecured kennel. Inside the kennel was a large tan/black dog that appeared to be in distress.
The vehicle traveled eastbound on I-80/94 from the Illinois state line. A good Samaritan noticed the car and called 911 to report his concern about the dog’s condition. It should be noted that the outside temperature at the time was approximately 26 degrees, with windchills below that temperature.
A local reporter sent the Facebook post to the Indiana State Police Lowell Post, which was forwarded to the Criminal Investigations Division. A detective immediately initiated an investigation and began an effort to locate the suspect vehicle and the endangered canine.
Through his efforts, he located the canine at a residence in Gary, IN. The dog appeared to have been abandoned near a residence where the owner of the suspect vehicle had previously resided. With the assistance of an ISP K9 handler who was off duty but in the area, they were able to gain the dog’s trust and secure the dog. A neighbor identified the dog, and the search for the owner continued through the afternoon. Later in the evening, the owner was identified and interviewed by the detective.
Charges have been submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office against a 37-year-old Lake County resident for cruelty to an animal, a Class A misdemeanor. If charges are approved, that individual will be identified as he is not currently in custody and not formally charged.
The Indiana State Police would like to thank the good Samaritan who alerted law enforcement of this incident. The dog is currently housed in a foster home and receiving much-needed attention.
