CONNECTICUT -- Following an "extensive investigation" by Groton police, a husband and wife were arrested after their dog was allegedly left alone in the car for "an extended period of time" and died.
Gabriel Hunter, 22, and Heidi Hunter, 21, of 20 Wilson Ln. were charged with one count of cruelty to animals.
According to police, the Hunters left their 8-year-old shepherd mix in the car for "an extended period of time" on July 9, which is believed to have caused the animal's death.
The Groton Police Department is asking residents to not leave their pets unattended in vehicles during the summer.
"Although the outside temperatures may appear mild, direct sunlight and humid air can heat the interior of a vehicle to unbearable levels," said police Lt. John W. Varone in a release Thursday.
Anyone who notices unattended pets in vehicles is asked to call 860-441-6709 or 860-441-6712.
The Hunters are scheduled to appear in Superior Court in New London on Sept. 6.
(WFSB - Aug 23, 2012)