Sheriff's Office investigating animal welfare concerns in Chapman

CHAPMAN, Neb. - The Merrick County Sheriff’s Office has opened an investigation after an online photo raised concerns about possible animal abuse and neglect in the village of Chapman.

Deputies say two welfare check calls came in Monday, which lead them to three different properties in Chapman.

Investigators determined the photo circulating on social media was taken at a residence in the 600 block of Cora street, which is a trailer park community. 

Deputies have not yet located the dog, along with a resident of the trailer park.

"Our one end goal here is to check on the welfare of the animal, make sure that it's okay, and then determine if it is a health issue or if it is a criminal issue,” said  Captain Jake Bauer with the Merrick County Sheriff’s Office.

Bauer added that animal control can be especially challenging in small towns like Chapman.

"Chapman is a village, and of course they have village ordinances. However there's no contract in place that allows for the Sheriff's office to statutorily enforce those ordinances. And so it does make our job a little bit tougher with respect to animal welfare,” he said. "But when it comes to abuse, neglected or just an animal in general that's not well taken care of, there is state statute to allow for us to investigate."

Deputies say their investigation is ongoing as they work to confirm the animal’s condition and whereabouts.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Merrick County Sheriff’s Office at 308-946-2345.