Laporsha Laveria Allen arrested after leaving dog inside hot Jeep outside Deerbrook Mall

TEXAS -- A woman who said she did not know it was illegal to leave her dog locked in a hot car was arrested Wednesday, according to Humble police.

Laporsha Laveria Allen, 20, was charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals.

A passerby spotted a dog locked in a black Jeep in the parking lot of Deerbrook Mall around 2:20 p.m.  It was hot outside, the vehicle was not running and its windows were slightly cracked.  The concerned citizen called Humble police for help.

When officers arrived, the dog appeared to be in distress, and was panting and barking, police say.

As officers were attempting to gain access to the vehicle, Allen walked out of the mall.  Police said she had been inside for at least 45 minutes and told them she was unaware that leaving the dog in the hot vehicle was against the law.

Allen was transported to the police station and charged.

The dog was handed over to Humble Animal Control.

(Click2Houston - June 24, 2015)