A Clarksville man has been facing animal abuse charges after an off-duty Montgomery County sheriff’s deputy saw him slam his dog on his porch and called 911.
Sergeant Melissa Collins said she was at her home on Cumberland Heights Road in Clarksville when she saw her neighbor, 27-year-old Dennis Roger Warnke, Jr., pick up his terrier mix “Precious” by the neck and slam her down on his front deck. She said afterward, the dog ran inside the house, and moments later Warnke picked up the dog, raised it above his head, and slammed it on the ground again.
“I was horrified, absolutely horrified,” said Sgt. Collins. “How could someone do that to an animal?”
Sgt. Collins said she yelled at Warnke to stop, and since she was off-duty, she called 911. Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies arrived, as well as Montgomery County Animal Control officers. The dog was taken into custody.
“She just stayed in one spot and was shaking uncontrollably,” said Sgt. Collins as she recalled Precious’ behavior.
“I’m just so glad she called, and I’m so glad she told them to stop the abuse while it was happening,” said Jeanette Farrell, Director of Montgomery County Animal Care and Control.
Farrell encouraged others in the county to follow Sgt. Collins’ lead and report animal abuse cases.
“Unfortunately, it’s happening more and more,” said Farrell. “Social media is a big help as far as getting these cases to us and being able to respond in a timely manner.”
Farrell said animal control officers also took another dog from Warnke’s property into custody. When they returned to meet with him a couple days later, he surrendered two more animals. All were taken to Montgomery County Animal Control.
Sgt. Collins said she didn’t want any recognition for what she did, but she hoped her actions encouraged others to report animal abuse.
“Pay attention to your surroundings,” said Sgt. Collins. “Pay attention to what’s going on, and don’t be afraid to call and make a report.”
Warnke was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. He bonded out of the Montgomery County jail. His case was bonded over to the Grand Jury, and the case may be heard in October.
Precious has been staying with a foster family on her way to a permanent loving home.
