Nebraska: Nathan Mayer Jailed on Animal Cruelty Charge After Stabbing Dog to Death

NEBRASKA -- Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested a man for allegedly stabbing his dog to death.

Thirty-three-year-old Nathan Mayer was arrested Monday. NHS investigators along with deputies contacted Mayer at his home where they found the dog, an 8-year-old German Shepherd mix named Shoes, in a white plastic bag on the deck.

Investigators say the dog appeared to have multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma to the head. The investigation determined that Mayer began chasing and stabbing the dog after he was bitten.

Evidence shows the dog was also beaten repeatedly with a barbell. Deputies say there was evidence of the crime in the lower level of the house, and on the main level in numerous rooms.

Monday morning a necropsy was conducted on Shoes by a veterinarian with the Nebraska Humane Society. It was verified the dog died of multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma.

Those that live in Mayer's neighborhood, call the Westin Hills neighborhood, a nice area.

Some even call it a very dog friendly place, but what happened early, Monday morning, has many neighbors heartbroken.

"It's always sad when a dog is hurt," said Joan Houston.

Houston has lived in the neighborhood for about 14 years, and when she heard the news that Mayer is accused of killing what many in the area have said was his mother's dog, she was shocked.

Not only for her neighborhood, Houston said, that's devastating news no matter where it happens. It's devastating for representatives with the Nebraska Humane Society, too.

Mark Langan, Vice President of Field Operations at NHS, said, "This dog died a slow, agonizing death, so we really do take this personally, when we hear about a situation like this."

NHS is now, stopping at nothing to make sure Mayer is given the maximum penalty.

Langan said, "We'll be working with the prosecutor on the case to make sure the judge finds out exactly what this guy did."

Mayer is still being held at the Douglas County Correctional Center, without bond.

He's being charged with Felony Animal Cruelty. This means, he could be facing up to 5 years in prison or a $10,000 fine. He could also be banned from owning any kind of animal for the next 15 years.

(WOWT - Nov 2, 2015)