How to Investigate Animal Cruelty in NY State – A Manual of Procedures
Example 10 – Animals in Hot Car
The Complaint
A store employee called the local humane agency and reported that 2 dogs were in a car in a store parking lot in hot sun. He said he had seen the car there several times before with the dogs in it.
The Response
- The investigator responded and found the car in the hot sun with 2 dogs inside. The windows were up, and the dogs were panting very heavily. Their behavior indicated that they were in immediate danger of dying (exigent circumstances).
- He took photographs of the dogs in the car.
- He tried the door and found it to be unlocked. With the store keeper as a witness, he secured the dogs using leashes and removed them from the car. (He would have broken the windows had the doors been locked.)
- He moved them to a shaded area and had the store keeper bring water to cool the animals. He poured some of the water over the dogs and gave them some to drink.
- The owners returned and expressed great concern for the dogs. They said that the family had lost their home and were currently living out of the car, but planned to get an apartment.
Charges Brought
Because of the extenuating circumstances and the concern of the owners, the investigator chose not to charge them, but instead worked out an agreement whereby the owners agreed to leave the dogs in the care of the humane society until they found an apartment.
Supporting Documents Follow
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