An Indiana State Trooper is facing charges after allegedly beating his K-9.
29-year-old Trooper Dustan Rubenacker was summoned to appear in Dubois Circuit Court on Wednesday for striking a Law Enforcement Animal, which is considered a Class A Misdemeanor.
State Police initiated a criminal investigation after Trooper Rubenacker allegedly struck his police K-9, Odin, during a training session in Jasper in March.
Several other ISP K-9 teams were present when the trooper allegedly used “unreasonable discipline” towards Odin for not properly focusing on the correct target.
Odin suffered a serious fracture to his right rear leg. He underwent surgery to repair the leg but it is not known if he will return to work.
Odin is a five-year-old Belgian Malinois and has been a member of the Indiana State Police for approximately four years.
Rubenacker is a six-year veteran of the Indiana State Police. He is scheduled to appear in Dubois Circuit Court on July 6 at 10:30 a.m.
Rubenacker is currently on administrative leave with pay. An internal investigation is ongoing.
