Two Bridgewater women are now facing animal cruelty charges after an incident that left two dogs dead from extreme heat exposure. The unfortunate event transpired within the confines of a car where temperatures soared to lethal levels. As reported by CBS Boston, the two deceased medium-sized dogs were discovered after emergency services responded to 911 calls about the two women visibly distressed outside a condo on Heather Lane.
The women, aged 59 and 32, are said to have left the dogs in the car for more than 90 minutes with windows sealed and without air conditioning running. This oversight led the vehicle's interior temperature to rise to at least 130 degrees. Bridgewater Police Chief Christopher Delmonte underscored the tragedy by stating, "This is a really terrible tragedy that was truly preventable," as obtained by CBS Boston. Furthermore, the investigation also revealed that the dogs had been kept in unsanitary conditions within the home.
In addition to the cruelty charges, local authorities are also charging the women with confinement of an animal in a motor vehicle causing exposure to extreme heat, which is confirmed by a MassLive report. Police made the harrowing discovery of the dogs lying lifeless near the steps of the condo building upon their arrival.
Bridgewater Firefighters who arrived at the scene were responsible to quickly ascertain the devastatingly high temperature inside the car, which contributed irrevocably to the creatures' demise. The dogs were later transported to an animal medical center to undergo necropsy. Reflecting on the preventable nature of the tragedy, Police Chief Delmonte added, "No pet should ever to be left in a vehicle on a warm day in direct sunlight, even for a few minutes", as noted by MassLive.
