A 44-year-old Tampa man, identified by authorities as Harvey Leroy Jones, was arrested after deputies found a dog left outside in extreme heat with no food or water. The animal later died. Jones was booked on a charge of aggravated cruelty to animals, and the case has become another grim reminder of how fast Florida heat can turn deadly for pets.
🚨Dog Dies After Being Left Outside in Extreme Heat🚨⁰
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) June 18, 2026
A Tampa man has been arrested after #teamHCSO deputies found a dog suffering from extreme heat conditions outside without food or water. Sadly, the dog later died. This tragic case is a powerful reminder that extreme heat… pic.twitter.com/SvhgyC3bkU
What deputies say
According to a post by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, deputies found the dog in Tampa suffering from intense heat and without access to food or water. The post named the suspect as 44-year-old Harvey Leroy Jones and stated that the dog later died. Deputies described the case as an animal cruelty investigation.
Charge and legal stakes
Jones is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, which state law defines as causing an animal's cruel death or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering under Section 828.12 of the Florida Statutes. The crime is classified as a third-degree felony. Under Florida sentencing law, a third-degree felony can carry up to five years in prison and fines, depending on how the court applies the Criminal Punishment Code (see s. 775.082). An arrest does not establish guilt, and prosecutors still have to decide whether to formally file charges in court.
How heat can kill pets
Veterinary organizations warn that dogs can develop heatstroke and suffer potentially fatal organ damage in a short time when exposed to high temperatures without water or shade. The American Veterinary Medical Association urges pet owners to keep animals indoors on very hot days and to start careful cooling efforts immediately if a pet shows signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, lethargy, or collapse. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay similarly shares summer safety tips and stresses that pets should never be left unattended outside in sweltering weather.
Local resources and what to do
The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center serves as the county's open-admission shelter and provides guidance on pet safety. Its address and contact information are posted on the county website. Hillsborough County's Pet Resource Center lists its location as 440 N Falkenburg Rd. and its phone number as (813) 301-7387. If you see an animal in immediate danger, authorities advise calling local law enforcement or 911. For non-emergencies, residents can contact the county's animal services or the Pet Resource Center for assistance.
