Indiana State Police said a dog is safely in a foster home where it’s getting much-needed attention after receiving a report Tuesday that the dog was in an unsecured kennel being pulled on an open utility trailer on Interstate 80/94.
Troopers with the Lowell Post were notified of a Facebook post of an SUV pulling the trailer, according to a release from Sgt. Glen Fifield, the post’s public information officer.
Inside the kennel was a large tan and black dog that appeared to be in distress, according to the release. The vehicle was eastbound on I-80/94 from the Illinois state line.
A good Samaritan noticed the vehicle 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,” police said.
A local reporter sent the Facebook post to the Indiana State Police Lowell Post and it was forwarded to the Criminal Investigations Division, according to the release. 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. The dog appeared to have been abandoned near a residence where the owner of the suspect vehicle had previously lived. 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, police said, 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 the offense of 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,” according to the release. “The dog is currently being housed in a foster home and is receiving much-needed attention.”
