Dog Found Frozen To Death, Man Arrested: IMPD

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department announced Friday that detectives, in coordination with Indianapolis Animal Care Services officers, have made an arrest just two days after a dog was found frozen to death, thrown away in a dumpster. IMPD said 62-year-old Gordon Turentine was arrested Friday morning, stemming from an investigation that began Wednesday afternoon when volunteers with Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside (FIDO), responded after 2:45 p.m. to the 2400 block of East 10th Street to check the welfare of a dog that was said to be left outside by the owner.

IACS and an IMPD detective responded to the location to investigate after a volunteer was able to find the dog, which was dead, in a dumpster, police said.

During the investigation, it was revealed the dog belonged to Turentine, who police said admitted the dog was his, and was a female named Remy. The man said he had Remy for 10 years, and claimed to have found the dog frozen Wednesday morning before putting her in a dumpster behind the location, according to police.

IMPD said detectives were able to develop probable cause and get an arrest warrant for Turentine on Thursday.

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East District IMPD officers and the investigating detective served the arrest warrant and took Turentine into custody Friday, police said, adding that the man was charged with animal cruelty and was also issued citations for improper care and treatment and unlawful disposal of animal.

Turentine was taken to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office before he was released on his own recognizance, police said.

“This tragic incident is another reminder of the vulnerability that face pets in the care of their owners,” IMPD said in a release. “Pets rely on their owners to ensure they are properly cared for, safe, and loved. When temperatures are extreme, whether cold or hot, bring pets inside. If you are uncomfortable, so are they. Those who treat animals inhumanely will be held accountable.”

If you see an animal left out in the cold, IMPD asks that you please call the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622. If it’s at night, call 317-327-3811. Police also said if you are a pet owner who can’t afford to take care of your pet in this weather, there are resources available to help you, so please reach out to IACS and ask for assistance.

Anyone with information about criminal activity should call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS).

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Images provided by IMPD