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Indiana State Police rescue endangered dog featured in viral Facebook post

Indiana State Police rescue endangered dog featured in viral Facebook post

by WNDU

Feb 18, 2025

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. (WNDU) - Indiana State Police say criminal charges have been filed after a dog was seen on video being transported in an open flatbed trailer in northwest Indiana.

ISP says it was notified on Tuesday about a Facebook post of an SUV on I-80/94 that was pulling an open utility trailer that contained a kennel that was unsecured to the trailer. The video reportedly showed a large tan/black dog inside the kennel that appeared to be in distress.

According to police, a good Samaritan noticed the vehicle and called 911 to report his concern about the dog’s condition. A local reporter also reportedly sent the Facebook post to ISP.

Police say a detective later found the endangered canine at a home in Gary. They say the dog appeared to have been abandoned near a home where the owner of the suspect vehicle had previously lived.

With the assistance of an ISP K-9 handler, police say they were able to gain the dog’s trust and rescue it.

Later in the evening, police say the owner was identified and interviewed by the detective.

According to ISP, animal cruelty charges have been submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office against a 37-year-old Lake County resident. Police say the owner will be identified if those charges are approved.