two individuals arrested after dog dies in hot car
dog honks horn for help after another dies.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A 53-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman were taken into custody on Thursday following an incident where a dog was discovered deceased in a sweltering vehicle.
Police Response
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers were summoned to the Intown Suites Hotel located at 5820 W. 85th St. on the city’s northwest side after receiving reports of a dog left inside a Chevrolet sedan. Upon arrival, officers were directed to the car parked in the hotel’s lot by the hotel manager.
Discovery of the Deceased Dog
The 53-year-old man, identified as Charles Thomas, approached one of the officers and informed them that one of the dogs inside his vehicle had passed away. Witnesses, including Kiarah Miller, who observed the dog in the car prior to the authorities’ arrival, expressed shock and sadness at the sight.
Witness Testimonies
Another witness reported hearing Thomas trying to rouse the pit bull by asking it to “wake up.” The police also noted that a chain securing the pit bull was fastened to the car’s floorboard with a weight. Court documents revealed that in addition to the deceased pit bull, a German Shepherd and a cat were also confined inside the vehicle.
Duration of Confinement
According to the probable cause affidavit, the dogs had likely been locked inside the car for about three hours without access to water. The German Shepherd, which was later found honking the car horn, displayed claw marks on the window in an attempt to alert attention.
Arrests Made
The woman, identified as 74-year-old Norma Light, admitted to not checking on the animals due to the hotel’s pet policy. Only service animals are permitted inside the establishment. Thomas was arrested on charges of felony animal cruelty resulting in death, while Light faced misdemeanor animal cruelty charges. Both individuals were transported to the Marion County jail.
Animal Control Response
Animal Control confirmed the death of the pit bull, Masus, and retrieved the body. The cat and German Shepherd were provided with water and relocated to a cooler environment.
Community Outrage
Community members, like witness Kiarah Miller, condemned the incident, likening it to leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. IMPD Lt. Shane Foley stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of both people and animals during extreme heat conditions.
Conclusion
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the critical need to take proper precautions to protect animals from the dangers of heat exposure. Providing adequate water, food, shelter, and a means of escape from high temperatures are essential for the well-being of our furry companions.
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– Chained dog dies hot car
– Dog honks horn help.
