Dog left in hot car
Parma, OH (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Jun 21, 2011
County: Cuyahoga

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted

Defendant/Suspect: Gale McKinney

A local woman was sentenced to 30-days in jail after leaving her dog in a hot vehicle on Tuesday.

Gale McKinney, 51, was arrested for animal cruelty and other charges. Her dog, Lilly, was found suffering from heat stroke in a car parked in a bar parking lot. An employee called the animal control officer who rescued the dog and made an arrest.

"She was suffering heat stroke and at the vet clinic, we got her into a cage and we took a hose and hosed her down," said Officer Julie Kocik. According to the officer, Lilly is doing much better after she was rescued.

The dog spent at least three-hours in the car when the outside high temperature was 89 degrees. Officer Kocik said the temperature inside the car was 129 degrees. "In my 24-years of doing animal control, I think this has been the hottest."

"In 10 minutes, your car can go from 80 degrees to 120 degrees," said Dr. Ronald Busack, who treated Lilly. Dr. Busack is a veterinarian at the Bartels-Busack Pet Hospital, Resort and Spa in Parma.

When the sun is out, Dr. Busack said a hot car will have serious health implications for your pet. "Once that body temperature gets up above 106, 107, the brain can become damaged, the kidneys become damaged and all body systems can begin to fail," said Dr. Busack.

According to the vet, heat stroke can occur even while you're out walking your dog on a hot day. Symptoms include heavy panting and gums that are deep red in color.

The day-after her arrest this week, Gale McKinney was in court and sentenced to 30-days in jail, with one day to serve. She also has to pay more than $500 in fines.

"If you come through Parma and your dog's in the car and you stop somewhere, I will get you," said Officer Kocik.

References

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