Graves County man charged with felony animal cruelty after dog found dead in extreme heat

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

GRAVES COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) – A Graves County man is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after authorities say a dog was found dead while chained outside without access to shade during extreme heat.

According to the Graves County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began Wednesday afternoon after Graves County Animal Control requested a welfare check on two dogs that were reportedly chained in the sun without shade.

Deputies said they found one adult dog dead. Investigators used a temperature measuring device to check the animal’s body temperature, but the reading exceeded the device’s maximum limit of 111 degrees.

Authorities said the dog was chained without access to shade and was unable to move to a cooler area because of the restraint.

Gage W. Walker, 29, of Graves County, was arrested and charged with torture of a dog or cat, a Class D felony under Kentucky law. He was booked into the Graves County Jail before being transferred to an out-of-county detention center.

According to the sheriff’s office, court records indicate Walker was ordered to serve one year in jail in July 2025 in McCracken County following a conviction for first-degree promoting contraband.

Sheriff Jon Hayden said the case serves as a reminder that pet owners have a legal responsibility to provide proper care for their animals during periods of extreme heat.

The investigation remains ongoing.