SANDRA JEAN DOUGAN arrested after one dead dog found inside a trash can and other dogs found injured and neglected

- Indiana, USA -

The Evansville Police Department arrested 65-year-old SANDRA JEAN DOUGAN (pictured).

In mid-June, officers with the Evansville Police Department responded to a home on West Louisiana Street to assist Animal Control with an animal complaint.

Upon arrival, officers looked inside the home through the open front door and saw that the ceiling was falling apart, with wiring and insulation hanging out. They also saw that the floor was covered in trash and feces.

In the yard, officers found three dogs. Two of the dogs were tied to a chain and none of the dogs had food or water. Officers further said that two of the three dogs had “laceration-like” injuries caused by flies eating at them.

As the search continued, officers sadly discovered a deceased dog inside a trash can. The poor soul was wrapped in a trash bag and appeared to have been there for a while.

Animal Control advised Evansville Police officers that they were going to remove the dogs so officers entered the home to see whether there were any more animals.

Once inside the home, officers found another dog confined to the kitchen. Officers reported that the dog had long nails and crusted eyes. According to the officers, all of the dogs were malnourished, had matted hair, and there was no food for them inside the home.

Officers learned from a neighbor that the dogs were DOUGAN’s and that she was living in her vehicle.

While officers were at the home, they could not locate DOUGAN, but she was taken into custody on July 18, 2026, on a separate warrant. She was then booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on animal cruelty charges in connection with this case.

At the time of writing, records show that DOUGAN is still in custody.

###

Voice For Us Disclaimer: Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

DOUGAN’s mugshot shared from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office.

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!