DOUGLAS COUNTY, Neb. — The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested a suspect following an animal cruelty investigation that began with a complaint filed with the Nebraska Humane Society.
In February 2026, the Nebraska Humane Society said it received a report from a concerned resident regarding the welfare of dogs in Douglas County. The agency reviewed the videos submitted with the complaint and then contacted the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for assistance with the investigation.
Authorities said the videos appear to show Freddy Garcia Jr. kicking, punching, and otherwise abusing at least three different dogs.
Authorities said the investigation identified the suspect as Freddy Garcia Jr., 22.
On Thursday, March 5, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said its Special Operations Group and Criminal Investigations Division, working alongside Nebraska Humane Society animal control investigators, executed a search warrant at Garcia’s residence. Authorities said they seized three dogs, three guinea pigs, one bearded dragon, and an assortment of fish. Two cats were later turned over to the Nebraska Humane Society.
In total, authorities said at least 12 animals were involved: three dogs, three guinea pigs, one bearded dragon, an assortment of fish, and two cats.
The sheriff’s office said one of the dogs, Apollo, a 10-year-old gray Chihuahua, was brought to the Nebraska Humane Society deceased in late January 2026.
On Friday, March 13, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said investigators arrested Garcia on three felony counts of intentional torture, mutilation, or beating of an animal.
Sheriff Aaron Hanson said the sheriff’s office takes allegations of animal cruelty seriously and encouraged the public to report suspected abuse and support the Nebraska Humane Society.
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