A 62-year-old man from Pennsylvania, Andrew DeShield, has been charged with animal cruelty following the death of his Pit Bull Terrier cross, Gucci.
According to police, DeShield left his dog in a sweltering car so he could spend time gambling at the Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, on Sunday the 29th of June.
Temperatures that day were extremely high, quickly making the situation inside the car life-threatening for the dog.
Failed rescue attempt
Officers were alerted by concerned passers-by who had spotted the dog in distress. Upon arrival, they found Gucci in the car parked in the casino car park. His body temperature had risen to a dangerous 42 degrees, a sign of severe overheating.
Officers quickly freed Gucci, taking him to a nearby veterinary clinic for emergency treatment. Despite the urgent need for medical attention, the owner refused treatment for his dog and decided to take him home.
A heartbreaking end for Gucci
The following day officers visited DeShield's home for a welfare check. To their shock, they found Gucci dead in the boot of the same car. His death has been attributed to the consequences of extreme heat and a lack of proper care.
The case has sparked outrage amongst animal lovers and members of the local community, who are calling for tougher sentences for animal cruelty.
Legal consequences
Following the discovery, Andrew DeShield was arrested and transferred to Bucks County Correctional Center. He is being held on a bail of $200,000, while he awaits trial.
The animal cruelty charge underlines the severity of the incident and serves as a warning to pet owners about the dangers of leaving animals in vehicles, especially during hot weather.
Even with windows slightly open, the temperature in a car can rise to life-threatening levels within minutes. Experts advise instead leaving pets at home in a cool, safe environment or taking them somewhere they can be properly looked after.
