A Muncie man accused of abandoning his two dogs, one of which died of starvation and hypothermia, was charged April 1 with two counts of animal cruelty.

Rodrico C. White, 34, will face a maximum one year jail term for each of the two class A misdemeanors upon standing trial in Muncie. However, according to deputy prosecutor Zach Craig, he is also wanted on three cocaine-related warrants in Tennessee and is being sought by federal marshals.

Now that he is in custody, “I would assume (White) is going to be dealing with those problems for awhile,” said Craig.

A pit bull, posthumously named Tris by the employees of Muncie Animal Shelter, was found dead of starvation and hypothermia outside a house at 1415 E. Highland Ave., Muncie, March 5. The dog’s body was frozen so solidly it had to “thaw” for more than three days before a veterinarian could examine it.

Another pit bull found chained outside the same house, named Katniss by shelter workers, was extremely emaciated but has survived. Phil Peckinpaugh, the shelter’s superintendent, said Thursday that Katniss is doing “very well” and is still at the shelter.

White has an extensive arrest record, with convictions for numerous crimes including dealing cocaine, battery, resisting law enforcement, disorderly conduct and maintaining a common nuisance.

When White will stand trial for the animal cruelty charges is yet unclear, as authorities are working with federal officers in regard to his other charges.

Source: The Star Press