DECATUR, Ill. – Decatur police are currently conducting an investigation into the deaths of two dogs and the potential abuse of another animal. The incident occurred in the 1200 block of East Whitmer Street at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, prompting officers to respond to a report of animal abuse. Upon arrival, they discovered two deceased dogs in the yard, as well as another dog in poor condition, according to Decatur Police Sgt. Ben Massey.
Following the initial report, the Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation highlighted the situation through a social media post. The foundation indicated that city workers had alerted animal control wardens to the scene, where they found multiple deceased dogs and one surviving dog named Howie.
Decatur police are presently pursuing leads and awaiting the results of a veterinarian’s examination of the deceased dogs. The department was originally notified of the situation by Macon County Animal Control, which subsequently took custody of the animals.
It is noteworthy to mention that the Macon County Sheriff’s Office has overseen animal control services for the city and enforced its animal control regulations since 2011. However, under a recently revised intergovernmental agreement, Decatur police are now responsible for felony animal control investigations originating within city limits, with the city covering the costs of necropsies.
Notably, Sgt. Ron Atkins, the Macon County Animal Control Administrator, was not immediately available for comment. The investigation into this distressing incident is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two dogs and the possible abuse of the surviving animal.