Indianapolis man busted in Madison for animal cruelty
MADISON — An Indianapolis man is out on bond after he was arrested here last week on I-55 on animal cruelty and drug charges, the authorities said.
The man, Edward T. Bronaugh, 56, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, transporting dogs for the purpose of dog fighting and animal cruelty.
Madison Police Cap. Kevin Newman said Bronaugh had an initial appearance in Madison Municipal Court on Thursday, Oct. 6, following his arrest two days prior. His bond was set at $50,000 for felony possession of a controlled substance and $50,000 for the dog fighting related charge. His total bond amount was $100,000.
Newman reported he provided bond that same day and was released from custody.
The investigation is ongoing and District Attorney John “Bubba” Bramlett was contacted,” Newman said. “The case will be forwarded to his office for prosecution and potential forfeiture proceedings based upon the animal cruelty and transportation charges.”
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at approximately 11:30 a.m., when an officer with the Madison Police Department Criminal Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 55 southbound near the 108 mile marker in the city of Madison.
During this stop, the officer became suspicious of criminal activity and during a probable cause search of the vehicle, the officer recovered marijuana along with several dogs that were inside multiple cages throughout the van.
“The dogs were malnourished and one of the dogs had injuries consistent with dog fighting,” Newman said.
An investigator with animal control was then called to the scene and the 11 dogs were immediately taken to a local veterinarian for emergency care and treatment.
“All of the injuries were documented and the investigation is ongoing,” Newman said.
As of Monday, Oct. 11, Newman reported that all of the dogs are receiving proper veterinary care and remain in the possession of the city of Madison. The final determination as to the disposition of the animals will be determined at a later date by the court though he said such seized animals are usually handed over to the Webster Animal Shelter when they are no longer needed for investigative purposes..
“In the event the city receives permanent possession of the dogs, as in past cases, we take all steps necessary to get the dogs healthy enough for transfer and adoption by the City of Madison Webster Animal Shelter,” Newman said.