Jacob Stenka is a K9 handler for the Nebraska City Police Department. He trains and works alongside a police dog for a living. His own dog died in extreme heat while left in direct sunlight outside his home.
On Thursday, Stenka was arrested for it.
What Happened on July 26
A neighbor called for a welfare check on Stenka’s dog on July 26. What they found led to a state investigation.
The dog had been left in direct sunlight in extreme heat conditions. By the time anyone arrived, the dog was dead.
Why the State Patrol Investigated
Nebraska City PD didn’t handle the case internally. Because Stenka is one of their own officers, they asked the Nebraska State Patrol to investigate instead.
That investigation ran for nearly two months before Thursday’s arrest.
What He’s Been Charged With
As KSNB Local 4 reported on Stenka’s arrest, Stenka was arrested on suspicion of felony animal cruelty resulting in death and lodged in the Otoe County Jail.
He has been arrested but formal charges have not yet been filed as of Tuesday afternoon. The Nebraska City police chief confirmed Stenka is suspended without pay pending that charging decision.
Under Nebraska Revised Statute 28-1009, cruel neglect of an animal that results in death is a Class IV felony. In Nebraska, that carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Abandonment cases don’t always end with accountability. When a puppy was found abandoned in a crate on an Ohio highway, investigators reviewed footage but couldn’t guarantee they’d identify anyone. Here, a neighbor’s call made the difference.
The Detail That Changes the Story
Stenka isn’t just any officer. He’s a K9 handler, someone whose professional job involves the daily care and handling of a working dog.
The dog that died was not his police K9. It was his personal pet. That distinction matters legally, but it doesn’t make the situation easier to process.
When the person responsible for an animal’s care causes its death, the consequences should follow. That’s the same question a Cedar City family is still asking after their dog was allegedly given the wrong injection during a routine vet visit.
Why This Matters
Dogs die in hot cars and direct sunlight faster than most people expect. A dog’s body temperature can reach dangerous levels within minutes under direct sun, especially during summer heat.
According to the AVMA’s pet vehicle safety guidance, a car’s interior temperature can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes on a 70-degree day, that’s over 110 degrees inside. Open-air direct sunlight carries comparable risks for dogs who cannot move to shade.
Someone noticing and acting is what changes outcomes. Sully, a Wisconsin dog found with nine gunshot wounds in a field, made it home for exactly that reason.
The neighbor made the call. The state patrol ran the investigation. An arrest followed. That is the system working as it should.
Key Takeaways
- Nebraska City K9 officer Jacob Stenka was arrested September 22 for the July 26 death of his personal dog.
- The dog was left in direct sunlight during extreme heat conditions.
- Stenka is held on suspicion of felony animal cruelty resulting in death; formal charges have not yet been filed.
- He is suspended without pay pending a charging decision.
- Under Nebraska law, cruel neglect resulting in death is a Class IV felony with a maximum two-year sentence.
The Neighbor Made the Call
Stenka’s dog couldn’t. A neighbor did, and that call started a two-month investigation that ended with an officer in handcuffs.
Have you ever reported a neighbor’s animal you were worried about? What happened? Tell me in the comments, and follow Furry Found on X and our Facebook page for more stories like this.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Stenka has been arrested but not convicted. Details are based on public reports and may change.