Case Snapshot
Case ID: 20071
Classification: Choking / Strangulation / Suffocation
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Person(s) in animal care
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Monday, Nov 4, 2013

County: Cuyahoga

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Sandra Lertzman

A woman found dead in her car with 31 dogs has been identified, according to WOIO on Friday.

Sandra Lertzman, 62, was the Executive Director of Animal Rights Foundation, a Beachwood animal rescue group. A friend found her body in her car, which was still running in the closed garage.

A suicide note was found inside the house along with prescription medicine. Lertzman was last seen on Sunday.

Most of the dogs inside the car were puppies. One puppy survived after escaping out of the car and finding a small opening in the garage for air.

The Animal Rights Foundation website includes a telephone number for a 24 hour hotline for animals in distress. Sadly it's executive director, Sandra Lertzman, must have felt she had no where to go for help.

References

  • « OH State Animal Cruelty Map
    « More cases in Cuyahoga County, OH

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