Case Snapshot
Case ID: 12000
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Tuesday, Jul 31, 2007

County: James City

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Male

Observant customers and a quick-thinking police officer saved a Jack Russell terrier from the confines of a hot car at the Prime Outlets on August 5, 2007.

James City County Police Officer Jerry White, who was at the outlet mall on an unrelated call, went to help the dog, named Duke, after multiple shoppers alerted outlet security to its plight. The temperature topped 90 degrees Sunday, and White said he could see the terrier as soon as he approached the blue Jeep Cherokee. "Four of the windows were down about an inch and the dog's muzzle - nose and all - was stuck outside that crack as far as he could get it," White said. "He looked like he was in distress."

With the help of an outlet security officer, White stuck his police baton through the cracked window and used it to hit the unlock button on the door. White said Duke was panting heavily, and there was no food or water in the car. "We immediately were able to give him water and get him calmed down," White said. White estimated the dog had been left alone in the car for at least 45 minutes. After being released and having a drink, Duke lay down under a tree. When his owner approached 10 to 15 minutes later, White and animal control officers issued him a summons and explained the dangers of leaving an animal alone in a hot car.

The owner, a 32-year-old man from Cary, N.C., faces a charge of cruelty to animals, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

References

  • « VA State Animal Cruelty Map
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