Las Vegas is reeling from a recent event on the 6800 block of Frances Celia Avenue, where a dog died after being left in a crate outside during extreme heat conditions. The dog, a French Bulldog named Jazzy, belonged to Olivia Underwood, who is now facing a felony charge of animal cruelty. As temperatures climbed over 100 degrees, concerned neighbors tried to intervene but were unable to save Jazzy's life, reported Hoodline.
Records indicate that this isn't the first time Underwood has had run-ins with Animal Protection Services. There were at least two prior incidents, one in 2014 involving a blue pitbull named Boss, and another in 2016 with a pitbull left on a patio without adequate shelter during cold weather. Further, in 2024 Underwood reportedly refused medical care for Jazzy after bringing the dog to a veterinarian for a prolapsed uterus, according to KTNV.
Details of the recent incident describe Underwood placing Jazzy in an outdoor kennel before leaving for work around 5:45 p.m. and not checking on the dog upon returning home early Saturday. "Appeared to be dying," neighbors slowly gathered to check on Jazzy and discovered the dog seizing in the heat and attempted to provide relief by pouring water over the animal. Tragically, these efforts were futile as Jazzy was found to be no longer breathing and stiff, as reported by FOX5 Vegas.
Witnesses relayed to officers that Underwood became hysterical upon discovering the scene and demanded everyone to exit her backyard. "had time to get home from work, order an Uber for her grandmother, change into sleeping clothes, and fall asleep," the report notes of Underwood's actions after returning home, but lacking the follow-through to check on Jazzy's well-being, as per FOX5 Vegas. Despite the previous visits from Animal Protection Services, and an Extreme Heat Warning being in effect, Underwood placed the dog in perilous conditions, which ended tragically.
As this case unravels, Underwood has been released after posting bond and is due back in court on July 2. The incident has sparked discussions on social media about animal welfare and the responsibilities pet owners have - especially during times of extreme weather. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, along with Animal Control, continue their investigation into the circumstances of Jazzy's death, with much of the information stemming from the collective reporting efforts of local news outlets, as reported by FOX5 Vegas.
