UPDATE – TWO CHARGED IN LAKE STATION TRUCK INCIDENT CONCERNING THE DEATHS OF 9 K9’S
On July 27, 2023 an incident occurred involving 18 canines that were being transported to a K9 training facility from O’Hare Airport to Michigan City, IN, according to Lake Station Police.
During the transport of dogs, the driver of the vehicle was caught in a 2-hour traffic delay, the AC unit that was being used to keep the canines cool failed, Lake Station Police said in a release. It was later determined a system called IcyBreeze was used. IcyBreeze is a small cooler which holds 30 lbs of ice for 2-3 hours and blows cold air out. An investigation and simulation determined by far this was not suitable for the size of the truck. Upon failing to adequately cool the truck, the temperature rose inside and some of the canines, due to the extreme heat (around 90 degrees outside) began rising inside the cargo area. Since the cargo area was separated, the driver wasn’t aware at the time that the AC unit failed which caused some of the canines to go into heat related medical distress. The driver’s attention as to what was going on inside the cargo area was alerted to him by some of the canines barking, Lake Station Police said.
The driver stopped the vehicle at the Road Ranger on Ripley Street and entered the cargo area. Once inside the the cargo area, he observed the canines in distress and began to remove the canines who were crated. This prompted 911 calls to the Lake Station Fire Departement and EMS along with the Lake Station Police Department.
There was an overwhelming response from both agencies so much so that civilians and so many others stopped to help where they could. The scene was choatic and took an emotional toll on all that were involved in trying to save as many canines as possible, police said. “Any loss of life is tragic and thoughts and prayers are with all those that were affect by this “freak event”.
A short time later The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office had requested that the Indiana State Police investigate the heat-related deaths of the 9 dogs.
PETA released a statement saying, “Nothing can bring back the dogs who slowly baked to death inside an airless, hot truck, but this is a step in the right direction toward ensuring that those responsible for their terrible suffering are held accountable and that preventive measures are put in place to avoid a devastating repeat. PETA joined the Humane Society of Hobart and the Lake Station community in pushing for this third-party investigation and trusts that the Indiana State Police (which has previously purchased K-9s from this company) will proceed with due diligence, for the sake of the dogs, the public’s faith, and the law.”
After nearly a year long investigation, (50 interviews including police, fire, citizens, Humane Society, vets, and doctors) it was determined there was a blatant disregard to standard safety practices which made this incident preventable, shown by how the driver was able to quickly and easily alter his box truck by cutting holes in the panels after this incident. The investigation also detailed the no ventilation in the cargo area, no visible monitoring systems, no temperature alarm, and the driver failed to make adequate stops to check on the dogs. It should also be noted there was no wrong doing by the Lake Station Police Department as some rumors suggested.
Two individuals have been charged with 18 counts of Neglect of Vertebrae Animal (Class A Misdemeanor) A felony could not be obtained in this case due to statues and language in the laws.
The first suspect has now been identified as Michael McHenry, 55, Michigan City, IN who is the owner of F.M. K9 and owner of the truck. The second is Jessee Urbaszewski, 44, Michigan City, IN. (F.M. K9 employee & driver that day)
