Two people arrested for animal cruelty after 1 dog dead, 4 others rescued from extreme cold

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Two people are facing animal cruelty charges after officials said dogs were left out in the extreme cold, causing the death of one.

Mark Miller, Jr., 42, and a 39 year old woman, are charged with animal cruelty and neglect.

Deputies responded to an address in the 4300 block of North Taylor Rd. on Dec. 23 after a concerned citizen called to say several animals at the property were suffering from extreme cold.

Deputies said the animals did not have protection from the cold. The base temperature was 1 degree with a wind chill of negative 16.

An American Bulldog was found near death. It ultimately had to be euthanized at the University of Illinois Veterinary Clinic in Urbana.

Four other dogs were rescued by the Macon County Animal Control.

Miller and the woman were given notices to appear for a court date of March 14, 2023.

Illinois law requires pet owners to provide sufficient food, water, and shelter suitable to sustain outside temperatures and weather conditions.

Animal cruelty is a Class A misdemeanor.