Dogs tethered in heat, one dies
Murrieta, CA (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007
County: Riverside
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Abuser names unreleased
Animal control officers received a report Wednesday that two dogs left outside in Murrieta in very hot weather were in distress and "that the dogs were screaming," Willa Bagwell, director of Animal Friends of the Valleys said.
When officers arrived, one dog, a 1-year-old female pit bull mix, was dead. Her temperature was 109 degrees, Bagwell said, and she had been so desperate to reach water that her chain was wrapped five times around her neck.
"They panic," Bagwell said. "It was a terrible death."
The other dog, which was in a more shaded area, received veterinary care and appears to be OK, Bagwell said.
The owner said he hadn't left the dogs for long, but according to the vet who examined them, the dogs had been there for at least three hours, Bagwell said.
Bagwell said she is seeking charges against the owners for animal cruelty, neglect and illegal chaining.
Bagwell said officers are finding lately that even when pet owners provide a dish of water, it is inadequate. The average stainless steel dish gets too hot, is too small and is too easily overturned, she said. In this kind of heat, Bagwell said, owners should leave a large tub of water for dogs that must be left outside. References« CA State Animal Cruelty Map
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