A 28 year old Wabash County man charged with aggravated cruelty is due back in court next week for a preliminary hearing. Thomas Arender was charged last month in connection to the death of a 1 year old pit bull named Zeus that starved to death in February. Arender is accused of depriving adequate veterinary care and humane treatment to the pit bull. The dog was first taken to the Wabash County Animal Shelter by a family member of Arender’s. Zeus was then rushed for veterinary care but was too malnourished to survive and died a day and a half later.

In a Facebook post, the Wabash County Shelter Buddies stated they will be attending the hearing on Tuesday at 1:30 to demand justice for Zeus. The group will be clad in matching black t-shirts featuring a white paw print and the phrase “Never Again.”

Arender posted $1,000 cash bond last week and remains free awaiting next week’s hearing.