A Spearfish man is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after authorities say a dog died while locked inside a house for an extended period of time.
Fifty-five-year-old Gary Darland was arrested on Monday.
According to court documents, Spearfish police were called to a home on 5th Street to investigate reports of an animal carcass decomposing inside the residence. After receiving permission to enter the home, officers discovered a dog’s remains and determined the animal had likely been dead for nearly three months.
Investigators say the dog was found in a room with no open doors or windows. While food was available, officers reported it appeared moldy and untouched.
According to court records, Darland told police he became ill and began sleeping in a camper behind the home. He allegedly said he left the dog inside the house, checked on it once, and then returned about two weeks later to find the animal dead.
Court documents also state Darland told officers he did not remove the dog’s remains because he was still sick and grieving the loss of the animal.
Darland is charged with cruelty to animals, a Class 6 felony in South Dakota. If convicted, he could face up to two years in prison, a four-thousand-dollar fine, or both.
The case remains pending in the court system.
