On a sweltering August day in Florida, scorching heat and suffocating humidity created an oppressive atmosphere.
But In the comfort of the air-conditioned Walmart shop, Houk lost track of time. The only problem was that she had left her dog alone in her car while she shopped. All the car windows were closed, and the dog had no water.
Don’t leave dogs in hot cars
To make matters worse, Houk knew that the car’s air conditioning wasn’t working properly, so she left it running with a pipe pressed against the gas pedal to keep it running.
But when some shoppers noticed the dog was left in the car for an extended time and became concerned, they alerted the store. Store employees came out to inspect the car and decided to gain entry. That’s when they discovered that the air conditioner was blowing hot air into the car.
Tragic consequences
By this point, the dog was in great distress and panting heavily as she tried desperately to catch her breath. Tragically, just 15 minutes later, the poor dog died. It was later determined that the poor pup had died of heatstroke. Completely unaware of what has happened, Houk returns to her car only to find a police officer waiting for her. When the officer breaks the news to her about what has happened, Houk immediately collapses.
Shopper Sheila Anderson, who tried to help the dog by giving it water, caught the whole thing on camera, which she later shared online.
Houk initially served 30 days in jail for her dog’s death and 36 months probation and costs and fines after her release. She was later convicted of aggravated animal cruelty.
Dogs die in hot cars. Don't leave your dog in the car, even you think it's not that hot out. Temperatures rise quickly inside a closed vehicle.
