Arizona: Peter Belford started drinking at the bar at 10am and left his dog to cook to death in his car, say police

ARIZONA -- A Scottsdale man is expected to face an animal-cruelty charge after Phoenix police say he left his dog in his car for hours while he drank at a sports bar.

Peter Chase Belford was arrested Sunday. According to an arrest report, Belford told investigators that he went to the Phoenix sports bar at 10 a.m. and left his black Labrador retriever in the back seat with the windows rolled down halfway.

According to the report, Belford said he gave the dog water at noon. He said he came back outside around 2 p.m. and found the dog dead. He said he paid for his bill at the bar and drove the dog's body home.

At 4 p.m., according to the police report, Belford called his wife to tell her the the dog had died. She then called Scottsdale police, who notified Phoenix police.

When questioned by Phoenix investigators, Belford told them that he hadn't attempted to take the dog to the vet, according to the report. He was then arrested.

Bretta Nelson of  the Arizona Humane Society said Monday,  "It is a critical reminder of the sheer importance of never leaving your pet in a vehicle, regardless of the breed, the day, the month, time of day, color of vehicle or whether there is shade or not. Only take pets with you if you plan to have them by your side; otherwise,  leave them home, as these tragedies are completely preventable."

Belford is expected to face a charge of cruelty to animals causing death, a Class 6 felony.

Name: Peter Chase Belford
Sex: Male
Race: White
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 185
Booking date: 10/04/2015
Charge:

• ANIMAL-INTENTL CRUEL MISTREAT

(AZ Central - October 5, 2015)