Nebraska City officer arrested for felony animal cruelty after dog dies in heat

A Nebraska City police officer was arrested after his dog died from heat exposure in July. He has been suspended without pay pending a charging decision.

Nebraska City police officer held over dog's heat death

A Nebraska City police officer has been arrested on suspicion of felony animal cruelty after his dog died during extreme heat conditions, 1011now.com reports.

The Nebraska State Patrol said the investigation was opened on 26 July, after a neighbour requested a welfare check on the dog belonging to 32-year-old Jacob Stenka. The animal had allegedly been left in direct sunlight during extreme heat and did not survive.

Because Stenka is a serving police officer, the Nebraska City Police Department referred the matter to the Nebraska State Patrol to handle the investigation independently. Stenka was subsequently arrested on suspicion of felony animal cruelty resulting in death and booked into the Otoe County Jail.

The Nebraska City police chief told the outlet that Stenka has been suspended without pay while a charging decision is pending. As of Tuesday afternoon, no formal charges had yet been filed.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)