Nashville Couple Arrested After Dog Dies in Hot Weather: Excerpts from Multiple Reports

“NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Police say A Nashville couple faces animal cruelty charges after their dog was found dead on a balcony during Saturday’s extreme heat with no access to food or water.” “According to police, Metro Nashville Police officers responded to a call from animal control on Saturday. When they arrived at the location, they found the dog had died after being left on a balcony that was receiving direct sunlight. Officers noted in the arrest report that temperatures reached 97° on Saturday, and the balcony had been in direct sunlight for several hours before their arrival. Witnesses told officers they had observed the dog being left on the balcony for ‘several hours at a time for multiple days and nights without food or water.’” (newschannel5.co)

“Lakendra Moore, 23, and Dearick Pinkston, 24, are both charged with aggravated animal cruelty.” (wsmv.com)

“In a statement from Matthew Peters with MACC: ‘Every year we see a couple of cases that really discourage us, so we want everyone to know how important it is just to keep your pets’ safety and their health in mind.’ Dog owners like Barbara Yontz say in this weather she’s looking out for signs that her pup Louise is getting too hot. ‘She sort of tells me when she’s done and I can see it in her face and her tongue is hanging out. So we’re going home, going back to where it’s cooler,’ Yontz said. ‘Especially for outside dogs, it’s really important they’re able to have a place to get out of the sun and some cool water,’ Peters said. They said there are four things to keep in mind: make sure your dog has water, don’t leave it in a car, avoid asphalt, and limit exercise.” (wsmv.com, wsmv.com)