Leaving 7 dogs in a van in 100 degree weather
Dyer, IN (US)

Incident Date: Thursday, Jul 13, 1995
County: Lake

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Albert Linker

To help beat the heat, Linker planned to take his 7 dogs for a swim in a local pond.  On the way there, he stoppef for a blood test at St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center.  Thinking it would take only a few minutes, he left the dogs in his blue Dodge van.

The sun bear down on the van and the temperature climbed into the 100s.  The dogs had only a few tins of water in the locked van.  About an hour and 1/2 later, a security guard found the dogs, panting for air and called police.  The police and the Tri-Town Animal Control Officer arrived minutes later and rescued the dogs.  A reconstruction crew working on US30 ran to the van with coolers of ice water to assist the dog.  The dogs were taken to Dyer Animal Clinic, hosed down and iced to quickly reduce their body temperatures.

Linker arrived at the van and was arrested and charged with a Class B cruelty to animals, a misdeamenor, which is punishable by no more than 180 days in prison and a fine of not more than $1000.  Linker was bailed out for $200.

Linker went to the clinic, the dogs were released and went to their own veterinarian in Flossmoor.

Linker stated he was so scared, he didn't realize the danger this mistake had caused to his beloved dogs.  It could have been fatal.  The regular veterinarian was called as part of the investigation.  The veterinarian stated the dogs are all well-cared for.  They are also up to date on thier shots, tags and licenses.  The veterinarian also stated that the dogs go everywhere with Linker, "they are his life.".

Dogs and cats cannot sweat, they can only pant.  When it gets too hot, the animals' body temperatures start to rise.  If the body temperature gets too high, brain damage and death can result.  Cracking a car window does nothing to help.  For example on an 80 degree day, the temperature inside a car left in the sun for 15 minutes can reach 150 degrees.

References

• Northwest Indiana News

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