Doberman left in car dies of heat stroke
Burton, SC (US)Incident Date: Saturday, Aug 5, 2000
County: Beaufort
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Shawna M. Hernandez
» Amy Jo Cochran
Spartan, a two-year old red Doberman died of heat stroke after he was left in a car parked at a Howard Johnson hotel in Burton for several hours on Saturday.
Arrested in this incident are Shawna M. Hernandez, 23, and Amy Jo Cochran, 22, both of Meriden, CT. They face a minimum fine of $100 each and perhaps 60 to 90 day prison sentences if convicted of the misdemeanor charges under the cruelty to animals law.
The police report states the two women drove 16 hours from Connecticut to pick up the dog and went to sleep at the hotel. They left the dog in the car outside.
Susan Summerall, director of Beaufort County Animal Control and Animal Shelter said, "It's a very sad way for animals to die. Never, not for one minute, is it ever safe or legal to leave an animal in a vehicle."
Summerall knew Spartan who had stayed at the shelter since Tuesday awaiting for the women to pick him up at the shelter. The owner considered this dog his best friend. He had to go to California suddenly and made arrangements for the shelter to hold him until his girlfriend could pick him up.
Summerall said Spartan was a beautiful, pure-bred Doberman who was sweet and friendly.
Veterinarian Frank Murphy of Aimant Animal Hospital in Beaufort said "It's a really sad tale. He was one of the more handsome Dobies I've ever seen." Dr Murphy examined Spartan after his death.
He also added, "What's even sadder is that Howard Johnson is a pet-friendly hotel."
References- Beaufort SC Gazette - Aug 8, 2000
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