BRYAN, Texas — A Bryan woman has posted $4,000 bond after being charged with animal cruelty.
Madeline Clark, 20, is accused of leaving her dog alone in her apartment for several weeks. The dog was later found dead and Clark allegedly tried to cover it up, according to court documents.
College Station police were called to an apartment complex on the 600 block of Luther Street West. The apartment manager called for help after Clark allegedly reached out to them, asking for help in removing her dog that had died. Clark allegedly told the apartment manager she had left her dog for the weekend with food and water, but when she returned home, found the dog had died.
Investigators said maintenance workers with the apartment complex did help Clark and a family member remove the dog, but reported the dog had been decomposing for some time. Investigators said the maintenance workers reported the dog was invested with maggots and one of the workers reported he had thrown up several times. According to court documents, the maintenance workers reported the dog's body was "falling through" its kennel due to decomposition.
Authorities said Clark told them the female dog was between 7-8 years old and had only been with her about 14 months. She said she didn't know of any health problems from the dog and didn't know why the dog had died. Investigators said she admitted to leaving the dog alone for several days and did not ask anyone to check on it while she was gone.
When investigators asked her where she had gone, Clark allegedly told them she had been in town but staying at her boyfriend's house. She said she was so busy she didn't have time to check on her dog, according to court documents. Investigators said experts told them due to the pictures, the dog had been dead for at least two weeks to a month. When questioned further, Clark allegedly told them she didn't know how long she had been gone from her apartment.
Investigators said the cleaning company reported it could take thousands of dollars to clean and disinfect Clark's apartment.
Animal cruelty is a third degree felony. A person convicted of this crime could serve up to seven years in prison.