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Muncie Police: Man beat Yorkie puppy to death

Posted at 5:38 PM, Sep 24, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-24 17:38:32-04
MUNCIE, Ind. -- A Muncie man is behind bars for what many call an act of unspeakable brutality. 
 
Jacob Rodgers, 26, was charged with animal cruelty Tuesday night for allegedly beating his Yorkshire Terrier puppy to death. 
 
The investigation started after the man's roommates told police he became upset when the puppy, named Cody, urinated on his bed. They told investigators they heard Rodgers beat the dog inside his apartment, while yelling that he would kill it. 
 
"A few minutes later, he brings the dog into the living quarters and tried to resuscitate the dog. Unfortunately, he was unable to do that and he put the dog in a plastic bag and threw it inside the dumpster," Sgt. Chris Kirby said.
 
Police found the dog's body in a dumpster in Rodgers' apartment complex and took it to the Muncie Animal Shelter. 

An examination showed the 8-month-old puppy died of a lacerated spleen and severe internal bleeding.

According to police, Rogers also admitted to trying to drown the dog.

"From the case reports that I read, it sounds like this beating went on for several minutes, up to thirty, " Phil Peckinpaugh with the Muncie Animal Shelter said. "Completely despicable, one of the most senseless and cruel acts that we've seen around here."

"I thought it was disgusting. It made me sick to my stomach when I read it. When I read he lived in the same apartment complex, it twisted me," William Wallace. 

Rogers is being held in the Delaware County Jail on a $5,000 bond. If convicted, he faces up to 30 months in prison.