Benjamin Shillaci, accused of leaving puppy 'bred for Texas heat' in hot car, goes before judge

TEXAS -- A man who left a puppy in a hot car while he went shopping appeared before a judge Friday.

Benjamin Shillaci is charged with animal cruelty.

According to authorities, Shillaci left a 4-month-old puppy in a car in the Academy parking lot off of Interstate 45 on Saturday.

  

A person walking by the vehicle saw the dog in distress and called police.

Shillaci allegedly told officers "this dog was bred for the Texas heat" as he was being arrested.

The dog, Blue Lacy, is now in an animal shelter and is doing OK.

(KPRC Houston - Jul 31, 2015)