Local man charged with killing his dogs, then dumping them on a rural road

Posted on January 5, 2018
McLean County Sheriff's Office
The McLean County Sheriff’s Office posted a witness photo of an SUV driving from the scene of where two dead dogs were reportedly dumped on a rural road. Prosecutors have now filed felony aggravated animal cruelty charges against a man from Normal for killing the dogs. (Photo courtesy McLean County Sheriff’s Office)

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Police say they’ve figured out who killed two dogs then dumped the animals on the side of a rural McLean County road last month.

McLean County prosecutors have filed felony charges of aggravated animal cruelty against Gary Eustice, 71, of Normal.

The charges allege Eustice placed his dogs, Bella and Taco, in a garage with a car motor running, and they died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

He’s also charged with littering for dumping their remains on Twin Grove Rd.

McLean County Sheriff’s Police turned to social media for leads. They said some good tips and a thorough investigation led them to the suspect, who’s free on his own recognizance.

Police declined comment why the man allegedly killed the pets.

Eustice faces up to three years in prison if he’s convicted.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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