Nicole Rich

8-month old Pit Bull-mix rescued from hot car

Derby, CT

August 3, 2006

27-year old Nicole Rich of Carolina Street in Derby faces a $1,000 fine and a year in prison after being charged with animal cruelty when she left an 8-month old Pit Bull-mix puppy in a car on Thursday, August 3^rd while outdoor temperatures registered more than 100 degrees.

Shelton Animal Control Officer Sheryl Taylor stated the puppy, named Tyson, was scratching and biting at the top windows to get air.  Taylor also stated that the puppy was in the car for about 20 minutes with the windows only slight cracked open.

Rich had gone into the Bridgeport Avenue Wal-Mart in Shelton around noon and left the puppy inside the care. Police stated the front windows were open about two inches and the back windows were open three inches. When police arrived to help the puppy, it was 102 degrees in the parking lot. They were able to unlock the door and put the puppy into an air-conditioned cruiser.  Several people had called the police.

Rich first told police that she owned the puppy but recanted her story stating she was watching it for a friend. She will be arraigned in Derby Superior Court on August 14^th.

Tyson was taken to the Shelton dog pound where he is recovering.  The dog is being held until the actual owner is found.

Torrington Animal Control Officer Anthony Bonacassio stated it only takes 15 minutes for a dog to die if left in a car when the weather is hot.

 Reference:

Republican American