A Great Bend man was arrested for animal cruelty on Thursday after several dogs were rescued from a motorhome at All Seasons Mobile Home Park, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir said.
The ambient temperature at the time was about 85 degrees Fahrenheit but a temperature reading taken inside the vehicle/dwelling was approximately 130 degrees, Bellendir stated in a news release. Officers were unable to determine the last time the animals had been fed or watered. Bellendir said the dogs were also living in an extreme state of filth.
The owner of the dogs, David L. Hester Jr., was booked into the Barton County Jail. Hester posted a $2,500 bond and was released.
The Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the animal control officer from the Golden Belt Humane Society at 3:55 p.m. on Thursday requesting assistance with some animals that were locked in a motorhome. Officers responded to the mobile home park on NW 30 Road.
Bellendir stated that deputies were advised the Humane Society had made several attempts to contact the owner of four or five dogs that were locked in the motorhome. Humane Society officials had been unsuccessful in their attempts and Hester was not being cooperative.
Deputies forced entry into the vehicle and along with the animal control officer captured the dogs. Bellendir said some of them were rather difficult to catch and, for that reason, he believes they will recover from any ill effects. The dogs were taken to the Golden Belt Humane Society for necessary treatment and proper housing.