Danville Man Arrested After More Than a Dozen Dogs Escape Home, Police Discover Severe Conditions

Danville, IN — A Danville man was arrested Tuesday after police responded to reports of 10 to 12 dogs running loose in the area of N. Cross St. and W. Columbia St., eventually discovering severe conditions inside the residence where the animals were being kept.

The updated information was provided by Nate Lien, Detective Sergeant with the Danville Police Department.

Dogs Escape From Home

Police said officers were dispatched around 3:08 p.m. Tuesday after receiving reports of numerous dogs running loose in the roadway.

Upon arrival, officers found multiple dogs throughout the area. Neighbors told police the dogs belonged to a residence at 213 N. Cross St. and believed additional dogs were still inside.

Officers discovered a large hole on the south side of the home that appeared to be an exit point for the animals. From outside the residence, officers could see what appeared to be a significant accumulation of animal feces and detected a strong odor consistent with animal waste.

Several dogs were safely captured with help from Hendricks County Sheriff's Department Animal Care & Control personnel and community members.

Police said the animals appeared to be in poor condition, with matted fur, evidence of flea infestations and fecal contamination. Approximately five dogs were transported to Animal Control for evaluation and care.

Homeowner Arrested

Officers attempted to contact the homeowner but were initially unsuccessful. Police later located a vehicle matching the description provided by neighbors and conducted a traffic stop.

The driver was identified as James Wesley, 52, of Danville.

According to police, Wesley acknowledged having multiple dogs and cats at the residence and admitted he was aware of the conditions in which the animals were being housed. Wesley declined to give officers consent to enter the home.

Based on the information gathered during the investigation and the conditions observed, Wesley was arrested and transported to the Hendricks County Jail.

He faces a preliminary charge of Neglect of a Vertebrate Animal Involving More Than Ten (10) Dogs, a Level 6 felony under Indiana Code 35-46-3-7(a).

Search Warrant Executed

Investigators later obtained a search warrant for the residence, which was issued and executed Tuesday evening.

During the search, police said they discovered extensive accumulations of animal feces throughout the home, flooring saturated with urine, excessive garbage, spoiled food, structural deterioration and a large opening leading from the residence to the outside.

Police described the conditions inside the home as severe and said they posed significant health concerns for both animals and occupants.

No additional animals were found inside the residence during the search.

Several Dogs Still Missing

Police said several dogs remain unaccounted for and are believed to still be at large.

Danville officers continue working to locate and safely capture the remaining animals. The dogs already recovered remain in the care of Hendricks County Sheriff's Department Animal Care & Control and will be evaluated to determine their medical and welfare needs.

The Hendricks County Health Department, Town of Danville Code Enforcement, Town of Danville Building Department and Town of Danville Fire Marshal have all been notified and will evaluate the property based on the conditions discovered during the investigation.

The Danville Police Department also thanked Hendricks County Sheriff's Department Animal Care & Control for its assistance.