Animal Cruelty Charges Filed After Dogs Found Dead in Hot Car
Authorities in Bridgewater are investigating a distressing incident involving two dogs that were found deceased inside a vehicle on Wednesday afternoon. The police responded to urgent calls around 4:35 p.m., where witnesses reported two women in apparent distress outside a condominium on Heather Lane.
At the scene, law enforcement discovered the lifeless bodies of two medium-sized dogs lying near the residence. Subsequent investigations revealed that the dogs had been left inside a parked car for over 90 minutes, during which time the windows were closed and no air conditioning was available.
Extreme Heat Circumstances
According to the Bridgewater Fire Department, the internal temperature of the vehicle reached a staggering 130 degrees. This alarming figure underscores the critical dangers pets face when left in cars during warm weather. It has been established that even a few minutes can lead to fatal temperature spikes in enclosed spaces, regardless of whether the windows are partially open.
Legal Consequences
Two women, aged 59 and 32, both Bridgewater residents, are set to face charges related to animal cruelty. The charges include the mistreatment of animals and confining them in a vehicle under extreme heat conditions. They will be summoned to Brockton District Court to respond to these allegations.
Conditions at Home
Further investigations also indicated that the dogs were allegedly residing in unsuitable conditions at their home. Bridgewater Police Chief Christopher Delmonte remarked on the heartbreaking nature of the incident, emphasizing its preventability. He urged pet owners to consider the extreme risks involved in leaving animals in vehicles, stating, “No pet should ever be left in a vehicle on a warm day in direct sunlight, even for a few minutes.”
Following this tragic event, the deceased dogs were sent to an animal medical center for a necropsy. This serves as a reminder of the responsibility pet owners have to ensure the well-being of their animals, particularly in extreme weather conditions.
