Terre Haute police say a March 13 home break-in ended with a German Shepherd puppy thrown out of a car window. Officers arrested 29-year-old Casey Graham, who was booked on counts including burglary of a dwelling, theft and torturing or mutilating a vertebrate animal. Court filings and booking records state the puppy suffered injuries documented by officers, and Graham remains in custody ahead of a May 12 hearing.
Homeowners say they asked for the dog back
According to WXIN, court records show the homeowners messaged Graham and her mother, saying they would not press charges if the dog was returned. Minutes later, the station reports, Graham allegedly came back in a Kia Optima and threw the puppy onto the roadway. Documents reviewed by WXIN state the dog had a “worn spot” on its left paw and that its nails “appeared to be cut in an attempt to make them bleed.” WXIN also reports Graham sent the homeowner a message reading, “should have paid.”
Booked and held on bond
WTHI-TV reports Graham was taken to the Vigo County Jail and is being held on a $25,000 bond. Court calendars show she is scheduled to appear on May 12, when a judge will consider formal charges and outline the next steps in the case.
What the charge means in Indiana
Indiana law makes torturing or mutilating a vertebrate animal a crime under state statute IC 35-46-3-12. The code classifies that conduct as a Class D felony and allows courts to order counseling or other conditions as part of sentencing. Justia provides the statutory text and related case guidance on that provision.
What remains unclear
Local reports so far do not say whether the puppy has been returned to its owners or what veterinary care it received. As first reported by Local 12, the investigation began after homeowners discovered a break-in on March 13. Court records released ahead of the May 12 hearing should provide further detail.
