FALLS CITY – A 19-year-old Rulo resident said she believes the death of Rulo dog was more likely caused by cold temperatures than a mauling.
The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office asked the public for assistance after finding the dog in a yard. Deputies say the dog died from an apparent mauling, but Thea Schulenberg said she suspects the animal bites on the body were made after the dog had froze to death.
She said the wounds are on the rear of the body of the Rottweiler-mix, but would have been at his face and head, if there had been a dog fight.
The sheriff’s office reports they had responded to an animal complaint at the First Street residence on Jan. 12 and found the dog was well-nourished and had adequate shelter.
He was found dead on Saturday.
Schulenberg said the dog’s conditions were deplorable. She says law enforcement received multiple complaints going back to last spring because the dog was kept on a three-foot chain and the owners did not live at the residence.
Schulenberg said she is planning to meet with deputies Wednesday morning to propose that the dog froze to death.
The sheriff’s office says there was no proof of neglect and that the owner of the dog had claimed the body.
Deputies invited anyone with information about the dog’s death to fill out a form at the sheriff’s office.
With the current information available, the sheriff’s office does not anticipate any criminal charges.
