A Susank man was booked on a charge of cruelty to animals following an incident last Thursday, Nov. 4, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir said. Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in Susank around 5:30 p.m. Witnesses at the scene guided deputies to a Dalmatian in a kennel that had been stabbed to death. At least one Susank resident witnessed the incident and pulled the suspect off the animal.  

Deputies were advised that a neighbor identified as Christopher B. Delauder, age 32, was the perpetrator. Within a short time Delauder approached the deputies and admitted to killing the dog, Bellendir reported. “He had no explanation as to what prompted him to do so.” 

Investigation at the scene indicates the dog was in its kennel at its owner’s residence when Delauder entered the kennel and stabbed it at least eight times. Delauder was arrested at the scene for felony cruelty to animals and criminal trespass. He was transported to the Barton County Jail where he has since posted a $2,500 bond. The investigation is ongoing.