A Manor, Texas woman has been charged with animal cruelty after police discovered nine dogs in her care exposed to extreme heat, with one of the canines unfortunately succumbing to the conditions, reported KVUE. The Manor Police Department and Manor Animal Control found the dogs caged outside without adequate food or water as temperatures soared past the 100-degree mark.
The dogs' owner, identified by authorities as Eyeisha Young, was arrested and faces a class-A misdemeanor charge; she was later released on bond, "I don't think that she completely understood her responsibility as a pet owner, but now, facing criminal charges, you know, hopefully she'll understand better," Manor's Chief of Police Ryan Phipps said in a statement released by the department, according to KVUE.
Some of the dogs were discovered wearing sweaters, and inappropriate attire given the sweltering conditions; Manor Police Chief Ryan Phipps termed the scene "sad," reflecting on the distress of the animals when interviewed by FOX 7 Austin. The Manor police intervention has resulted in the transfer of the surviving dogs to the Giddings Animal Shelter where they are now benefiting from air-conditioned relief, as the shelter awaits a court decision on their future.
Highlighting the broader implications of such negligence, Luis Sanchez of Austin Pets Alive warned that unspayed and unneutered pets could aggravate the stray animal problem, which exacerbates community issues, especially in severe weather conditions, this concern was echoed by Manor police who urge pet owners to recognize their responsibilities to protect and nurture animals within their care, a sentiment shared by Chelsea Pearce, medical director at the Crystal Falls Emergency Animal Hospital, who has observed a spike in heat stroke and heat exhaustion cases among pets, reminding owners to be watchful of their pets for symptoms like excessive panting and agitation and to seek vet care promptly if needed, in a statement to FOX 7 Austin.
If the dog's owner wishes to reclaim them, she must petition the court; however, the final decision lies with a judge. In the meantime, the Manor Police Department counsels the community to care for animals during extreme weather and for anyone witnessing an animal in distress in the heat to contact animal control or local police.
