CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – An 82-year-old Middleburg woman is facing a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge after a deputy found her dog locked inside a hot car last week, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
News4JAX is not naming the woman, because she is charged with a misdemeanor.
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She was issued a Notice to Appear, following an incident at the Texas Roadhouse on Blanding Blvd. on May 25 — at approximately 7 p.m.
Deputy responds to animal complaint
According to the report from the Sheriff’s Office, a deputy responded to a call about an animal in distress at the Texas Roadhouse parking lot. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with a woman who flagged the concern.
A K-9 unit deputy used a laser temperature reader to assess conditions inside the vehicle. The Sheriff’s Office said readings showed the vehicle’s internal temperature had reached 99 degrees, while the dog’s external body temperature measured 104 degrees.
According to the report, the deputy went into the restaurant and made contact with the dog’s owner, who started her vehicle and let the dog out.
What to do if you see a dog in a hot car
If you see a dog locked in a vehicle, first determine whether it appears to be in distress. Is the air conditioning running? Is the owner nearby? Has the dog been inside for more than a few minutes? While a dog in a car is not always an emergency, it’s important to assess the situation carefully.
If the dog is clearly suffering and the owner cannot be located, call 911 or a nearby law enforcement officer for assistance.
If instructed, you may need to forcibly enter the vehicle to save the animal.
Florida law protects individuals from liability for damages when breaking into a vehicle to rescue a vulnerable person or animal, provided that:
- There is no other reasonable way for the person or animal to exit the vehicle
- The rescuer reasonably believes the person or animal is in imminent danger of harm
- Law enforcement or 911 is contacted before or immediately after entry
- No more force than necessary is used to gain access
- The rescuer remains with the person or animal in a safe location near the vehicle until first responders arrive