Richard Cope is being sought for animal cruelty

MICHIGAN CITY — Over the last weekend of 2015, officers with the Michigan City Police Department were alerted to Facebook messages about a dog that was being treated for severe injuries.

The dog was found with marks indicating that its muzzle had been taped shut. There were also injuries to the dog’s legs.

On Monday, Dec. 28, the case was officially assigned to Det. Jillian Ashley, who immediately started to work the case and spent many hours talking with witnesses and gathering evidence.

Probable cause was found and an arrest warrant was issued for Richard Cope. He is charged with:

1. Torturing or mutilating a vertebrate animal — Level 6 felony
2. Cruelty to animals — Class A misdemeanor
3. Animal Neglect/Abandonment — Class A misdemeanor times 2

As of Jan. 11, the Michigan City Police Department is asking for assistance from the public in locating Cope.

Anyone with information on his location is asked to call the Michigan City Police Department at (219) 874-3221.

Source: WNDU