Two Michigan City men face charges for deaths of nine dogs

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- The Indiana State Police and the Lake County Prosecutor's Office report charges have been filed against two Michigan City men, following a year-long investigation resulting from the death of nine dogs.

The report states the incident occurred in July 2023, when nine dogs died due to being transported in a box truck in what authorities call "extremely dangerous heat conditions."

As a result of the investigation, 55-year-old Michael McHenry, of Michigan City, and 44-year-old Jessee Urbaszewski, of Michigan City, were each charged with 18 counts of Neglect of Vertebrate Animal.

Authorities say both suspects previously agreed to turn themselves in, but as of 6 p.m. on Aug. 27, 2024, neither suspect had done so. 

Warrants have been issued for their arrests.