Bowling Green man charged after dog found emaciated, unable to walk

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A reported animal abuse case in Bowling Green has led to an arrest and a community rallying for a severely abused dog.

According to a uniform citation, the Bowling Green Police Department has arrested 23-year-old Damion Temple of Bowling Green, charging him with torture of a dog or cat.

BGPD stated it was contacted Saturday by a Warren County animal control officer regarding the case. Police say the animal control officer stated she responded to a residence on Lucina Drive on Thursday for a report of a dog that was found.

Officers say the dog was reported to be “near death” due to its poor condition.

Authorities say they identified the person who reported the case as Temple, a resident at the scene.

Police say a German Shepherd was found in the backyard with Temple. Officers say Temple stated he had noticed the dog wander up to the yard and that it was sick.

According to the citation, the dog was reportedly in extremely poor condition with “severe muscle atrophy,” loss of muscle mass, and hip bones, rib bones and spinal bones prominently visible.

Authorities say the animal control officer stated she had to hold the dog’s head up since he could not stand or walk.

Officers say the dog was transported to the Bowling Green-Warren County Human Society medical facility and was given the name “Ethan.”

The citation states the dog was determined to be tremendously emaciated. Authorities say it was reported to be unlikely that the dog wandered into Temple’s yard due to its condition.

Authorities say the dog had been “deliberately starved to get into his condition.

Police say Temple was identified as the owner and that the dog’s name was Draco. While speaking with Temple, police say he eventually took full responsibility for the dog’s condition.

Temple remains at the Warren County Regional Jail on a $5,000 cash bond.

The German Shepherd is now walking and eating on his own, according to the humane society.

An anonymous donor has offered to cover all of his medical expenses, with extra funds going to the humane society’s sick and injured pet fund.