Concerned citizens called Heidelberg Police Officials on Tuesday,
August 2nd, to express concern about two dogs out in temperatures
in the 90s.
When officers arrived shortly after 2 p.m. they found a female
Pit Bull alive, still breathing but unresponsive. A male Pit Bull had dug
a hole for himself and was seemingly able to stay cooler. There was no shade
for the dogs and only one bucket of water. The female dog’s chain was too
short to reach the water. Officers found plastic barrels with entrance holes
provided as shelter for the dogs, but they did not go in because it was hotter
inside them.
Both dogs were tied out in the sun without shade or water.
The second dog that apparently had access to water survived. Officers used
a hose to cool the dogs down, but the female died. The surviving dog was
taken to an animal control shelter where it is now doing well.
Chief Barkley would not identify the owner of the dog because
the animal cruelty citation is being mailed to him and he has not received
it yet. He will be charged with cruelty to animals. The charge is a misdemeanor
with a maximum penalty of a $750 fine and 90 days in jail.