Omaha man arrested for animal cruelty after puppies found in dumpster

OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT) – Nine puppies, each about four weeks old, were found abandoned in Omaha in February.

Anastasia Alexander put the puppies in a crate after she and Dona Smith found them and the mother dog next to their dumpster.

“They smelled terrible, stank of urine and some were covered in feces,” said Anastasia. “Even the mother was starving because her milk sac was flat.”

The heartbreaking discovery came moments after a breathtaking confrontation.

“This guy had backed his car into this dumpster and was wearing a ski mask,” Anastasia said.

The Nebraska Humane Society took the litter and the mother and subsequently found a surveillance camera photo of a suspect that was circulated among law enforcement officials.

“He is wearing a mask, so he doesn't want his identity to be shown,” said Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Cindy Dmyterko. “However, we have the vehicle and enough witness statements to say this is the man who did this.”

Preston Woodall, 30, has warrants issued by animal control several months ago for his arrest. He came to the sheriff's office to apply for a gun permit.

On Monday morning, officers arrested Woodall on 10 counts of cruelty and two other related charges.

According to Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, this case shows that anyone who comes to the office and applies for a gun permit should expect that staff and officers will conduct a background check to determine if there are any outstanding warrants.

“It's not as simple as just getting a gun purchase permit,” Hanson said. “We'll do a background check and make sure you're someone who is legally allowed to own a firearm. If you have additional charges against you, like this gentleman, 10 warrants for animal cruelty, we'll take you into custody on those warrants.”

Six months ago, Woodall told animal control he returned the dogs to the owner who owned them, but investigators allege Woodall instead abandoned them on an old mattress next to the apartment's dumpster.

“They were lucky that we happened to be home to pick up the puppies because they could have crawled onto Fort Street and the other dog could have been hit by a car,” Smith said. “We happened to be in the right place.”

The 10 counts of animal cruelty Woodall is accused of are all misdemeanors. Hanson says Woodall can legally get a gun permit if he hasn't committed any crimes. The Nebraska Humane Society says the nine puppies have been adopted, but 6 News is still waiting for news on the mother.

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