Iowa man arrested for animal neglect after dog found dead, chained in sweltering heat too far from water and shade

CEDAR RAPIDS – An Iowa man was arrested for animal neglect after a was dog found dead, chained in sweltering heat too far from water and shade

An investigation by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control has resulted in the arrest of a suspect for Animal Neglect resulting in the death of a dog. Craig Ross, Jr., age 42, was arrested this week for Animal Neglect with Serious Injury or Death after an investigation by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control. Police say that on August 17, 2021, Cedar Rapids Police officers and an Animal Care & Control officer responded to a residence in the 1800 block of 4th Avenue SE for the report of a deceased dog. Upon their arrival, officers found a 3-year old mixed breed dog deceased in the back yard. The outside temperature was 86 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index of 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The dog was left on a four foot leash, which was too short for the dog to reach shade, shelter, food, or water. The dog had evidence that it had died as the result of heat exhaustion.

Upon investigation, the defendant admitted to police officers that he left the dog outside for two or more hours.