A Florida man has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly killing three of his daughter’s dogs by locking them in a hot car for days while she was out of town.
Felton Charles Henderson, 72, was arrested by Escambia County police Friday on charges of animal cruelty causing death, pain and suffering, according to local media reports.
His bail was set at $45,000 (£38,000).
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons told local media that Mr. Henderson’s daughter had left her three dogs with him while she went out of town for a few days.
She left behind water and food and did everything properly, according to the sheriff’s office.
“When she came back a few days later, she asked where her dogs were,” Mr Simmons said. “Henderson leads her to a blue Toyota Camry, opens the doors and pulls out three dead dogs.”
The sheriff said the defendant locked those dogs in his car “knowing full well they would not survive.” All three dogs died from the heat.
“Obviously all he’s done is lock those dogs in today’s heat, yesterday’s heat, the day before yesterday’s heat,” Mr Simmons said.
Mr. Henderson said nothing before collecting several items from the garage and leaving, according to an arrest report cited by North Escambia.
The sheriff said it was obvious he locked the dogs in the car despite the summer heat the past few days.
“You can imagine the suffering (the dogs) must have gone through,” Mr Simmons added. “He was arrested for animal cruelty.”
“This is no way to treat an animal. They rely on you to give them care and concern, and you did none of that, so you’re going to jail for animal cruelty.”
Under Florida law, leaving pets unattended in a parked car is considered animal cruelty. Even if it’s for a short time, offenders get hefty fines for it. Temperatures rise rapidly in a parked car and can cause irreparable organ damage or even death.
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