Suspect Arrested for Animal Abuse

Cedar Rapids Police officers responded to a disturbance inside an apartment unit at Shamrock Condominiums, 5055 Johnson Avenue SW, on Wednesday, June 30 at 11:31 p.m. 

Officers met with Michael James Constant, DOB/04-24-2000, age 21, who indicated he had lost his temper with his girlfriend and had thrown their five pound Yorkshire Terrier into a wall or door in the hallway of their apartment unit. He believed the dog was severely injured or deceased because it was not moving after being thrown and striking the door or wall.

Officers made contact with the girlfriend inside of an apartment unit and checked on the dog.  The dog was still alive and laying on a bed.  Officers recommended the dog be taken to a veterinarian for immediate care.  The dog had difficulty standing, was disorientated, and was believed to have pain near the neck area.  The 6-year old dog, named Princess, was suffering from a buildup of fluid on the brain causing brain swelling that the veterinarian attributed to the trauma the dog had suffered.  The dog also likely had a slipped or bulging disk.

Based on the ongoing investigation by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and Animal Care & Control, Constant was arrested on July 6 for Animal Abuse.  He has been transported to the Linn County Correctional Center.

The dog was seized by Animal Care & Control officers and is currently recovering at the shelter.

Disclaimer:  Any arrest and complaint information included above is based on the legal conclusion that, as with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.