Animal Control tells Newschannel 3 that the puppy was just about six months old. The dog’s water bowl was frozen and by the time deputies responded, it was too late.
It’s one of the worst calls an Animal Control officer has to respond to, a call the deputies hope never happens again.
“The dog was tied up,” said Deputy Greg Musser, St. Joseph County Animal Control, “but it actually wrapped himself around the pole.”
“This is the upper echelon for these types of cases,’ said Deputy Joshua Shook, St. Joseph County Animal Control.
Deputies say they received several calls to 911 after neighbors saw a dog outside a home on M-60 in Park Township.
“It appeared that it had been outside for quite some time and they were concerned it had passed away as if the homeowner had simply forgotten about it,” said Deputy Shook.
When they responded, deputies found a six-month old pit bull frozen to death at the home. Animal Control also seized another pitbull from the home, both dogs were unlicensed. The dogs’ owner was arrested on animal cruelty charges.
“She seemed pretty upset about what happened,” said Deputy Shook. “I do believe that she put the dog out with good intentions, but simply fell asleep and forgot about it.”
Deputies say with snow falling and temperatures dropping, it’s important to treat your pets as you would your children.
“You definitely wouldn’t send your child to a bus stop in these sub-zero temperatures,” said Deputy Musser. “We would definitely recommend that you limit the time of your pet being outside. Make sure they have adequate shelter if they are going to be outside.”
Animal Control is also encouraging neighbors to speak up.
“If you expect anyone is abusing their animals, or one that’s been left outside, because this is one of our worst calls,” said Deputy Musser.
The Sheriff’s Office is also putting up signs to encourage people to speak up and also to send a warning to pet owners.
Roxann Grochoske was taken to the county jail, where bond was set at $2,000.
(WWMT - Jan 11, 2016)
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