Man Charged with Animal Cruelty for Transporting Dog in Open Trailer on Indiana Expressway

Image credits: ABCOTVS

A disturbing incident on an Indiana expressway has led to a man being charged with animal cruelty after a video showed a dog riding unstrapped in a trailer. Erik McClinton, 37, of Gary, is facing one count of animal cruelty after a viral video on I-80/94 Tuesday morning sparked outrage and concern for animal welfare. The video, taken by Ryan Jackson, showed a shivering dog in a crate that wasn’t tied down to the trailer, with the wind chill at 17 degrees at the time. McClinton claimed he had to move and already had puppies inside of his SUV as the reason Midnight was placed on the trailer, but police said the dog was malnourished and had visible signs of neglect, including dried blood on the top of his head and missing part of his ear.

The incident has raised questions about animal welfare and the treatment of pets in extreme weather conditions. Animal cruelty is a serious offense, and McClinton's actions have been widely condemned. The case has also highlighted the importance of reporting incidents of animal cruelty and the role of social media in raising awareness about animal welfare issues. Midnight, the dog at the center of the incident, is currently receiving care in a foster home and is expected to make a full recovery. The Indiana State Police have received numerous calls and messages of concern about Midnight's welfare, and the case is ongoing.

The investigation into the incident began after Jackson reported the incident to the authorities, and police were able to track down McClinton and take him into custody. McClinton's claim that the blanket over the kennel must have blown off and that the kennel was bolted to the trailer was disputed by police, who said that the kennel was not secured to the trailer. The case has sparked a wider debate about animal welfare and the need for stronger laws to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. Prosecutors are pursuing the case, and McClinton faces a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty.

Here are the key points in the case: * Erik McClinton, 37, of Gary, is facing one count of animal cruelty * The incident occurred on I-80/94 in northwest Indiana * The dog, Midnight, was riding unstrapped in a trailer in freezing temperatures * McClinton claimed he had to move and already had puppies inside of his SUV as the reason Midnight was placed on the trailer * Police said the dog was malnourished and had visible signs of neglect * Midnight is currently receiving care in a foster home and is expected to make a full recovery * The case has sparked a wider debate about animal welfare and the need for stronger laws to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. The treatment of animals in extreme weather conditions is a critical issue that requires attention and action from authorities and the public.

The incident has also raised awareness about the importance of reporting incidents of animal cruelty and the role of social media in raising awareness about animal welfare issues. The case is ongoing, and McClinton's fate will be decided in court. In the meantime, Midnight is safe and receiving the care he needs, thanks to the quick action of Ryan Jackson and the authorities. The case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and action to protect animals from cruelty and neglect, and the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.