One of the dog’s bodies showed signs of trauma, suggesting it may have been eaten or chewed on by the other dog.
INDIANAPOLIS — Police are investigating the deaths of two dogs found frozen in a kennel behind a home on Byland Drive. A child discovered the dogs dead on Jan. 16.
According to Beech Grove police, officers were called to the home after receiving a complaint from a neighbor who said Thomas Neuner, the dogs’ owner, was neglecting the animals.
Neighbors told police Neuner never brought them inside. When they hadn’t seen the dogs for several weeks, a neighbor’s child discovered them dead and frozen, covered in snow.
Indianapolis Animal Control responded shortly after, and officers discovered the second dog dead inside the doghouse. The dog’s body showed signs of trauma, suggesting it may have been eaten or chewed on by the other dog.
Police found frozen water dishes and food bowls blocking the kennel door, and a heater inside was not plugged in. Neuner told police he last saw the dogs two weeks earlier, when he briefly placed them outside.
He told police he left them in the kennel for a short errand, only to return and find them missing. Neuner later suggested someone brought the dogs back, as they were microchipped, though he couldn’t explain how. He admitted seeing the dog’s body outside on Jan. 15, but didn’t report it, claiming he was too distraught.
“It’s bad enough that we have people living on the street dying that way,” nearby resident Janet McDuffie said. “For animals to die that way when you have a home you can put them into … that’s very sad.”
McDuffie, who had only recently moved to the neighborhood with her husband, Kevin, said they would have gladly taken in the animals if they were asked.
“I would’ve taken them in a heartbeat if they would’ve asked me,” McDuffie added. “Animals are humans. They have feelings, too, whether you believe it or not.”
“It happens too much in our city,” said Darcie Kurtz, the executive director of FIDO, an animal welfare organization.
Kurtz added that FIDO is working on an information hub for pet owners, aiming to connect them with the right resources. However, she also believes that there should be consequences for those who continuously refuse to provide basic care for their animals.
“There is a place for enforcement for those people who refuse to provide a basic level for their animals,” Kurtz said.
FIDO works to reduce animal neglect and educate pet owners on proper care. Kurtz also stressed the importance of providing accessible resources for pet owners to avoid these situations.
“If you’re going to get a pet, there are basic expectations, and it’s not leaving it outside in a kennel when its 10 degrees,” Kurtz added.
A lab report was conducted on the dogs’ bodies and it was determined they died of malnutrition.
A warrant is currently out for Neuner’s arrest. He faces one charge of neglect of an animal.
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