DANVILLE, Indiana — A dog was found dead in a backyard, tied to a tether with no water and no shade, as temperatures soared to dangerous levels.
The Danville Police Department is now investigating whether the owner will face criminal charges.
What Officers Found
Around 2:30 p.m. on July 15, officers responded to a report of a dead dog at a home in the 600 block of Bedford Drive.
When they arrived, they found a black schnauzer dead and still tied up in the yard.
The dog had no access to water. There was no shade in the area where it had been tethered.
Animal Control transported the dog to the Hendricks County Animal Shelter. The dog will undergo a necropsy at Purdue University to determine the exact cause of death.
Charges Could Be Coming
Police say investigators are actively gathering evidence and no final determination has been made yet.
But criminal charges are on the table.
Under Indiana’s updated animal protection laws, severe animal neglect can be prosecuted as a felony offense.
The Hendricks County Animal Shelter was direct in its statement: “If you leave your animal in danger, you will face criminal charges.”
A Warning to All Pet Owners
Police used the incident to remind residents that during extreme heat, pets must have constant access to fresh water, deep shade, and a way to cool themselves.
Dogs can suffer heat stroke in a very short time when confined outdoors without these basics.
If you see an animal tethered outside without water or shade, contact local law enforcement immediately. Do not wait.
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