Thanks to reports from alert citizens, two dogs have been rescued in Southwest Nebraska, and a man is in custody, charged with felony animal cruelty.
Wednesday afternoon, State Troopers were alerted to a severely injured dog in northwest Red WIllow County; the animal was rushed to a clinic where it was saved after undergoing emergency surgery for multiple stab wounds.
Earlier in the week, law enforcement found a man, 29-year old James Wagner, with blood on his clothes and hands. Witnesses said two dogs had been with him in previous days, but only one was present when Wagner was found by officers.
The Patrol determined the dog did not belong to him; it was turned over to an animal shelter, while Wagner was taken to a shelter in North Platte.
Following the discovery of the injured dog, Wagner was arrested. He was already in the Lincoln County Jail after a shoplifting arrest.
The injured dog will remain at the Red Willow Animal Clinic, and if unclaimed will be up for adoption after ten days. The other pup will also be up for adoption if it is not claimed. Both adoptions will be through the McCook, Nebraska Humane Society.
One side note: An anonymous donor from Colorado paid for the dog's two hour surgery and other expenses.