NEW HAMPSHIRE -- A dog rescued by police from a hot car after 13 hours last week is happy and doing well, officials said Wednesday.
Emiliano Badillo Jr., 18, of 143 Liberty St., was charged with animal cruelty on July 2 after admitting to police he left the dog in the car for more than 13 hours, police said.
“The dog was taken to the vet and checked out,” Animal Control Officer Gail Petras said. “She was fine because we got to her in time. If it were much longer, there may have been a worse outcome.”
Petras said the dog was signed over to animal control and officers were able to find her a new home.
An animal control officer saw the dog panting heavily in the car. Using an infrared thermometer, the officer estimated the car’s interior temperature to be 113.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Police observed the windows opened only a few inches, they said.
When police found Badillo, he admitted that he left the dog in the car for over 13 hours without checking on it or providing water, police said.
Petras said people should not leave their dogs in cars at all for any length of time in the summer. In extreme heat, even 5-10 minutes can be dangerous and a dog can die quickly, she said.
Badillo is scheduled to make a plea in the case in Middletown Superior Court on Aug. 5.
(New Hampshire Register - July 11, 2013)
