PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — A puppy was left in a car with the window cracked open on Wednesday. It was found outside of Port Charlotte Town Center Mall.
A Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy found the dog with no owner in sight.
Luckily the animal was ok, just a little dehydrated.
This morning the dog’s owner picked the dog up. They were cited for animal cruelty.
If the dogs spent a few more minutes in the car the animal could have been seriously hurt and the owners would have faced criminal charges.
“We did not have enough evidence to confiscate and keep the dog or petition a court for custody because there was no long-term distress on the animal whatsoever,” said Brian Jones with Animal Control.
CCSO reminds everyone not to leave an animal or loved one in a car for any period of time.