Outraged New Yorkers freed seven dogs who'd been left in a sweltering car on Monday; when the dogs' owner returned, she was issued a summons for animal cruelty and the dogs were taken to Animal Care & Control of NYC.(WABC7 Eyewitness News has the full story, as well as video of the brawl that nearly erupted when the woman returned to her car to find angry neighbors walking and watering her dogs.)
It was unbearably hot on Monday, and it's quite likely the dogs would have died in the car had the neighbors not intervened. But I am not sure the ending to this story is entirely happy.
The AC&C, where the seized dogs were taken, is, like most municipal shelters, crowded and overwhelmed. A seven-dog seizure is a big deal, and the dogs will be held there until the legal case is taken care of.
While the staff at the AC&C is incredibly dedicated and will give the dogs the highest level of care, chances are, the dogs are terrified and confused. (Even the most abused and neglected dogs in shelters pine for their owners -- that's how deeply dogs bond to their people.) Also, it's quite possible that having seven fewer cages will mean that seven other dogs have less time to find their forever homes.
I wonder if the whole incident could have ended as a learning experience for the dogs' owner, with the neighbors who'd saved the dogs teaching her about hot-weather safety. But when I put myself in their shoes, would I have returned the dogs to her (especially if she was belligerent)? Hard to say (and probably not).
I'm not saying I have an answer. But I do know that seizing a dog from a neglectful owner does not guarantee a happy ending. It's always better to educate an owner -- although some people, sad to say, will never learn.
What do you think?
While the staff at the AC&C is incredibly dedicated and will give the dogs the highest level of care, chances are, the dogs are terrified and confused. (Even the most abused and neglected dogs in shelters pine for their owners -- that's how deeply dogs bond to their people.) Also, it's quite possible that having seven fewer cages will mean that seven other dogs have less time to find their forever homes.
I wonder if the whole incident could have ended as a learning experience for the dogs' owner, with the neighbors who'd saved the dogs teaching her about hot-weather safety. But when I put myself in their shoes, would I have returned the dogs to her (especially if she was belligerent)? Hard to say (and probably not).
I'm not saying I have an answer. But I do know that seizing a dog from a neglectful owner does not guarantee a happy ending. It's always better to educate an owner -- although some people, sad to say, will never learn.
What do you think?
Just as children are animals!!! Campbell you have lost me there..... I am an avid animal lover and yes those dogs should have been placed in a shelter or foster home. The lady should have also been fined a decent amount for seven dogs. Often not though I think animals that have been left in hot cars have more rights than the children that are left. I live in Texas and every summer there is a significant amount of children left in cars with no consequences even when they die. It just is amazing that both should have rights....I think that children should have more. I am just tired of people comparing this to if a child was left in the car....this would have happened. That is not always the case. So let's stop comparing and call it for what it is animal neglect/abuse and she should be held accountable.
My question is: why does she even have 7 dogs?
Died or have not died,I still think they should be taken away!
If she left them in the car is maybe because the store dosn't
allow pets...SO!!! Then why did she buy/adopt them...because she loves them,so if she loved them,why did she leave them in the car!?! If your going to love a pet you'll have to love it,It's like having a child,you're not going to leave your child in a car that can take away somebodys life???
I believe that anyone who has a dog OR child should know better then to leave either in a vehicle in hot weather. Seven dogs...what the heck was this person thinking? I guess they weren't. It's wrong and neglectful. Our pets rely on us to make the right decision for them and the fact of the matter is, it has been broadcast time and time again NOT to leave in a hot car. It's neglect and what sort of action do we take for that...find better owners? Second chances CAN amount to deflect again which might lead to death. I say EVERYONE should know better the first time around.
no the dogs should not be taken from the owner but the owner should be given a ticket if they leave there dogs in the car for over 10 to 20 min. on a hot days and the windows are not down and there is no water and it is over 85* but some people over react one day after going to the beach i stop to get gas and went in to pay and i left my dog in the car for one min and left the windows down not cracked but down so he could put his head out and a lady came in and said i was stupid to leaving my dog in the car when she saw me go in i told her i could see my dog and one min was not going to kill him so i could pay for the gas to get home and if i was being cruel to my dog i would not have taken he to the beach on a nice hot day to play in the water i would had left he at my hot apt. and gone to the beach by my self to cool off plus my dog love to go in the car some days when i stay at home and don't leave and when i let him out to do his business he well some times go and sit at the car because he wants to go for a ride so am i not allowed to take my dog some where or is that now animals cruelty to let your animal go for a ride in the car
I am with you on this one; chances are good that education could work and it should be attempted first! There are just too many animals without homes to decide that an owner cannot be rehabilitated without trying! Many people are unthinking in one situation or another. It does not mean that they can't or won't learn. They usually will not respond well to being called stupid or feeling that they are being mobbed by angry neighbors. A tactful approach might work. Another approach that might work is creating a socially acceptable way of "managing" animals while you are in a store or some other situation. For instance, it has occurred to me that I could take a crate and a bicycle lock with me, in case of emergency. Then, I could lock my critters in the crate and to the car or other immovable object so they would be safely contained while I dealt with the emergency. I also would rather leave my car and ac running than leave my critter to be too hot. Yes, it is not an ideal situation, but it works every now and then. DC Airco is manufacturing a 12 volt DC ac unit that you can leave running on battery power. Eventually, I hope to have one of those! Anyway, let's not make it so easy to give up on people! Most people, most of the time, in most circumstances want to do the right thing.
I think it was WRONG wrong wrong for them to leave SEVEN, especially 7, dogs in the car .. while it was hot outside. I think it's fine if you leave a dog in the car for a SECOND just to go grab one thing from the store or two .. but if you leave them in there too long they could die. If you bring your dog in the car while YOU go shopping .. well, whats the point in bringing them if you leave them cooped up in the car? I think, that if you don't take care of your dog, why did you get one? I think they should have their dogs taken away, if not, a second chance. Like other's have said, it's like sticking your dog in the oven .. it feels TEN TIMES hotter than it does for you. Remember, they have fur! Fur, fur and extra fur! Well, these were my thoughts ...
Would you believe that in SC it is legal for a person to leave a dog in the car IF: the window is cracked, and there is a bowl/cup of water in the car for the dog to drink ????
I experienced this myself once in a Walmart parking lot. The poor little dog was obviously in distress. I called the local police and when they came they said there was nothing they could do because the window was cracked and there was a cup of water in the car. When the nasty woman AND her nasty daughter returned to the car she laughte at me and said she was not opening the car door until myself AND the police left the area. It was the most frustrating, beligerant display of cruelty I've witnessed in quite awhile. Had I known then what I know now I would have broke the window and taken the dog myself, and never called the police. But now I know what to do next time.
If a person had to wear a Fur Coat, sitting in a vehicle, with the windows "cracked" a couple of inches, and the engine/A.C. turned "Off" like they do to their pet(s), then "Maybe" they would get the Idea that it is NEVER smart thinking, to do this to a pet Or a Child! I actually saw a beautiful large breed dog sitting in a Saab Turbo Convertible, in front of a copy place, in Houston, last year.I came into the prkng lot from the other side, way away from the store/parked Saab. I noticed the engine/A.C. was "OFF", the windows and the convertible top were closed "tight" and the poor dog was sitting up w/his mouth open wide panting hard. I waited a few minutes for the owner to come back, and then went inside the copy store, anounced "There is a dog locked inside a green Saab Turbo Convertible w/ the top up, the windows closed tight and the engine and air conditioning "OFF". The owner was @ the counter, when he turned and cussed me out in 4 letter profanity, and I was told "to mind my Own business!" BTW, it was tripple digit heat that day, with just as much humidity. Everyone in the place was "freeze framed". I told the guy{who was dressed cool but scummy} "it's over 100 degrees outside and a lot hotter inside the car, with No a.c. on and BTW the dog has a FUR COAT, which he cannot take off!" I also told him, "atleast leave the windows Down, or the top Down or, hey, here's an idea, Leave Your Dog Home in the safety and comfort of air conditioning"! The guy charged out the dooor and I said" I hope your dog, Bites You In The Ass!" And the whole store applauded! I don't know if the guy has changed his ways, but I dare say, he'll think twice before doing that again and taking the chance of someone like me coming along and "embarrassing" him.
Although most of us would like to believe that education is the answer to everything, let's please step into reality. If these had been children, they would be removed from the car, from the home and serious charges would have been filed.
It is time we have zero tolerance for animals being treated like garbage, furniture, or a toy - and if it gets broken, you just throw it away! This is abuse - animal abuse, just as children are animals and deserve to have a certain quality of life, so do these dogs and all others.
I agree with Angie. Over ten minutes, yes. (:
Simply saying "yes" would be easy, however, the people that leave their dogs in hot cars may also have children! The fact that they've already done it to their pet, just makes a rational person wonder if they might also endanger their child! Who can reliably say where these individuals draw the line? They certainly need to be prosecuted for their negligence & some type of abuse intervention should also take place. This is ultimately an opportunity to effect change, on an individual level, that could save many lives in the years that follow.
It is usually around 30-35 degrees hotter in a vehicle even with the windows 2 inch cracked ,( wich is what most people do so pet dont get out ) . So if it is 80 degrees out it is 110 in the car. It may be hotter in direct sun and no breeze. They should be removed and owner educated . If happens again authorities hopefully will interviene.
Yes I think they should be taken if the person has left them in the car for longer than 10 min. some people dont know so if you see a dog as I did once I left a note on the persons car saying how cruel it was, I even once went in the store and had them page the person. Then after you explain you hope they wont do it again. If its longer then definantly bust out the window and get the dog out and leave a not saying why.
of course it's bad to leave a dog in a hot car, but think of it this way, what if for every dog that gets taken from its owner a shelter pet has to be killed to open up a cage for it?
I vote yes!! I get angry when I see thi happen. If you would not do it to a child, then you should not do it to a dog.
Simply saying "yes" would be easy, however, the people that leave their dogs in hot cars may also have children! The fact that they've already done it to their pet, just makes a rational person wonder if they might also endanger their child! Who can reliably say where these individuals draw the line? They certainly need to be prosecuted for their negligence & some type of abuse intervention should also take place. This is ultimately an opportunity to effect changes that could save many lives in the years that follow.
I think the owner should be locked in a car all day in the sweltering heat without water, then she could fully realize how her dogs suffered. Some people are just that stupid and need to experience lessons to learn them. If I was a dog, I wouldn't want to go back to an owner like that who couldn't care less about my welfare.
I think the owner should be locked up in a hot car all day without water, then maybe she would realize how stupid she really is. If I was a dog, I wouldn't want an owner like that, I would want a new home where someone really loved me and looked after my welfare!
Yes , people who leave their dogs in a hot car should lose them. Same goes for the dumba__ who leave their children in a hot car. They should be educated about the dangers of leaving their dogs/children in a hot car. Chances are this woman will do it again. It makes me angry when I see a dog in a hot car. When I lived on Long Island I actually called the phone number that was on the side of the truck that was parked at Tanger Outlet Mall in Riverhead and told the guy off when he called me back. He had his ac running while he was shopping in the store. That isn't a safe solution either, parked running cars/trucks have been know to slip a gear and start rolling. If that happened his dog would be in an accident and who knows how hurt the dog would get. Animals are living beings who feel happiness and pain and should be treated with love. We need to protect them from getting harmed.
yes they should and the owener shouldnt be able top have the dog ether
no never Dogs and most pets are perpetual 2 yr olds if a human left a child in the car there would be hell to pay ,There should be the same treatment for leaving a pet ! Perhaps punishment should be having the adult that did it left in a car when its hot ,
Yes they should!!
How STUPID do you have to be? 5 minutes, 10 minutes, doesn't matter!!! Would you ever leave your child in a hot car while you run in somewhere?
People think it's okay to leave you're dog in the car with the window just "cracked" but thats still not good enough. If you're dumb enough to leave them in the car on a hot day, then you shouldn't have one in the first place.
Yes, the dogs should be taken away, but then what? Shelters are already too full!
I think it really depends on the situation and the temperature. I mean if the dogs are left in a car with the windows rolled down (not cracked) with water in the car and its only for like 15 minutes, then no because it would be obvious that the owners do care about their animals and have taken steps to make them as comfortable as possible. But if the windows are rolled up, no water, in sweltering heat, then absolutely yes they should be taken away.
I think the dogs should be taken from the oweners. Its not right. They wouldnt like being left in a car where its very very hot. I hope people who do this get fined and their dogs taken and put in a better place. No dog wants to sit in the HOT car, They cant tell you that. Your suppose to protect them and think whats right. Whoever thinks its ok to leave their dogs in a hot car shouldnt have dogs or any animals!!!!!
I think that it is very irresponsible to leave your pets in a car in the heat. It's no different than than leaving a child in a car. The dogs would suffer just as much as a human would. I have a friend whose 4 year old had gotten in their car while at their home, (never leave your car unlocked!), and she did not notice that their little dog had followed her in...needless to say she exited straight through and shut the door. My friend, to her horror, found their little dog dead in the car. As sad as that is, I am very grateful that the child did not get locked in the car. She was devestated. It breaks my heart to think of the poor dog slowly suffucating. Although this was a pure accident and I don't think her dogs should be taken, I do believe that people who intentionally leave their dogs in vehicles in the relentless heat should not be pet owners.
it might have been poor judgement... but those dogs could have died! several of them looked like chows or husky mixes. and they have thick coats. something needs to be done..everyone knows not to leave your dog in the car on hot days.
I think something should have been done. A large fine in addition. I have called the police numerous times when I see a dog in a car for more then 10 minutes. I understand that the dogs are being taken out of their homes so maybe the process needs to be quicker. I know someone who left their dog outside while they ran to the store and the dog was taken to a shelter and by the time they found it it had already been adopted out. That person is facing animal cruelty charges and it wasn't hot out it was a beautiful day out with water. This is a really tuff situation but the solution would be not to leave your pets in the car in the first place.
I hope she gets her dogs back!!She obviously made a HUGE mistake that could have cost her dogs lives!!I would never leave my dog in a hot car!!but the dogs looked to be in good health and if it is proven that they are in fact in good health she should be placed on probation.Everyone deserves a second chance!
No she should not get the dogs back. She is supposed to be a RESPONSIBLE adult and pet owner but she is not. If she had to take them to the vet and also needed to run an errand she should have split the trips up and did them on different trips. I feel that this is inexcusable. I understand that people can make honest mistakes but this "honest mistake" could have cost the lives of 7 and a broken heart for the owner. People need to think before they act. I think all cases should be treated the same. Even though there is over crowding at shelters a lot of wonderful rescue groups out there take animals in and find them good homes. This owner may have provided a good home but this lack of judgement could show more than we see from first glance.
What is the full story? All the dogs were found to be healthy. The owner apparently feeds and cares for them. To take all on a trip in the city must be a reason of importance.
From what I hear, dog shelter placemenbts/adoptions often do not turn out well, often dogs are euthanized after a short period of time. Who knows what the new owners will do about the dog...
However, the story may be even worse. If she keeps 7 medium/large dogs in an apartment....is she selling for income, even worse stealing lost dogs to sell...it is all not known.
Seven dogs downtown certanl;y calls for a good explanation...
Many people who love their honestly love and deserve pets sometimes make stupid mistakes. When you think about it, pets might be ending up in such a situation because the owners wanted their companionship and couldn't leave them behind, yet the owners could be disoriented for one reason or another (prescribed meds, elderly, etc.), hence their reason for for failing to use good judgement. So every situation cannot be treated alike.... but at the very least every incidence should be treated with a mandatory class on animal care.
We should be kind to our animals and be kind to our brothers and sisters who need our help, not instantly judge and condemn.
Anyone irresponsible enough to leave dogs in hot cars should not be allowed to keep them. What's next their children! There is so much education available to people now that there really is no excuse for this kind of behavior. We all know cars turn into ovens for animals left in them. And the truth is, if she really doesn't know these things, what other cruel or neglectful behaviors is she subjecting these animals to?
I think if you love your animals, when it is too hot outside, leave them at home, not in the car waiting for you to eat lunch or clothes shop. Nothing upsets me more than a poor dog barking and stuck in a car when i clearly cant even sit in my car without moving, and the windows barely cracked open. I have two dogs, and one of them loves to be in the car, but I still leave them home. Especially when I know I am running errands. People are selfish, and i would like to see on a 90* day how they fare sitting in a car with all the windows closed but slightly slightly cracked. I bet it would be unbareable for them, now add a fur coat to them and see how they do.
I don't know, that's a hard one and I guess it would depend on the situation. If the dogs were not left long enough to be in physical distress, it might have just been a lapse of judgement on behalf of the owner but if they were left for more than a few minutes, it would be a case of pure stupidity and animal abuse. I would hope that they would end up in better homes but they would frankly be better off euthanized than dying in a car "OVEN".