AR man arrested after dogs found dead, decomposing in truck
BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. — A Blytheville, Arkansas man is facing animal cruelty charges after two dogs were found dead and decomposing in a truck, police say.
On May 13, Blytheville Animal Services and officers with the Blytheville Police Department responded to the 1100 block of Broadway about two dogs that were found dead inside a truck. Both dogs are believed to have been left there for a week.
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Reports say officers discovered two German Shepheard dogs dead inside the vehicle. The dogs were partially decomposed. Flies and maggots could also be seen outside of the truck.
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The owner of the property and animals, Gary Huskey, reportedly told police that he put the dogs inside the truck to keep them away from a house fire at the home. He also stated that he contacted a tow company to pick up the truck due to the dead dogs inside the vehicle.
Police say investigators later discovered that there had not been a call for service at the home regarding a house fire.
Huskey’s neighbors say they were shocked to learn those two dogs were found this week.
“I didn’t know that he had the dogs in the truck and once the neighbors found out that’s when they were all concerned and that’s when they called the police,” said Stanley Sims, one of the neighbors.
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“We used to call the police and everything about the dogs running around and stuff, so they have been over there several times,” said Penny Sims, another neighbor. “I knew something was going on cause the dog catcher had garbage bags and everything.”
Stanley and Penny Sims say they can’t imagine why their neighbor would intentionally do such a thing and wish the police would have acted sooner.
“I hated it had to end up like that and I didn’t know he was capable of doing stuff like that, but now I see. But I feel sorry for him, I really do,” Penny said.
Huskey was taken into custody and charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.
A spokesperson with Blytheville police says animal abuse will not be tolerated and anyone with knowledge of animal abuse should give them a call.
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