Decatur, Illinois – Police in Decatur are seeking a man to face charges of animal cruelty after the death of two pit bull puppies and the suffering of a third adult dog that survived. The detective handling the case has issued a warrant for the arrest of the 53-year-old suspect, who is being sought on three counts of animal cruelty, according to Detective Sgt. Brian Earles with the Decatur Police Department.
The case dates back to the night of Dec. 12, when patrol officers were called to the 1200 block of East Whitmer Street in response to allegations of animal abuse. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered two dead dogs in a yard and a third animal suffering and in poor condition. The animal has since recovered under the care of the Macon County Animal Control and Care Center.
Charges relate to the neglect and abuse of the dogs that led to their deaths and suffering. According to Earles, one puppy was found attached to a leash just 2 feet long, while the other had a chain wrapped around its neck. This is just the latest case in a series of animal abuse incidents involving intense suffering and death.
Previously, a pit bull named Berry Blue was left to freeze outside in a Decatur yard and had to be euthanized just before Christmas 2022. This led to a protest movement, with people wearing blue in the dog’s memory and attending courtroom hearings for animal cruelty cases.
Mark A. Miller Jr. and Nyssa R. Richardson-Miller, who deny cruelty charges in Berry Blue’s death, now appear close to reaching a plea deal with the office of the Macon County State’s Attorney. They are due back in Macon County Circuit Court for a hearing on Wednesday.
The severity of these cases highlights the ongoing issue of animal cruelty, prompting further discussion and action to protect and prevent the suffering of animals in the community.