Three charged after dog found dead in extreme heat in Graves County
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
GRAVES COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) — Three people face animal cruelty charges after a dog was found dead while chained outside in extreme heat, according to the Graves County Sheriff’s Office.
Sgt. Garrett Clark responded around 4 p.m. Monday, July 20, to a home on Neely Road after a citizen reported suspected animal abuse.
Clark found a recently deceased yellow Labrador retriever chained by the neck to a plastic doghouse in direct sunlight, with no access to shade, the sheriff’s office said. The heat index was reportedly above 100 degrees, and a heat warning was in effect.
With help from Graves County Animal Control and the Graves County Animal Shelter, investigators attempted to measure the dog’s body temperature. The reading exceeded the device’s maximum temperature of 111 degrees, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators identified three adults living at the home who allegedly claimed ownership of and responsibility for the dog:
- Rodney B. Brogdon, 36
- Frederick J. Walton, 43
- Jessica L. Johnson, 38
All three were charged under a recently enacted Kentucky law with torture of a dog or cat. The law includes cases in which an animal’s death results from being chained or otherwise restrained and unable to escape dehydration, serious injury or death.
They are scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Aug. 5 in Graves County District Court.
The sheriff’s office said this is the second similar case it has investigated in the past month.
