Two Dogs Die After Left in Parked Van on 90-Degree Day; 9 More Treated for Dehydration, Infections

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A Round Lake woman faces animal cruelty charges after 11 dogs were left in crates in cages in a van in Palatine in the extreme heat.

Two of those dogs died of heat exhaustion and nine more were treated for dehydration and skin and ear infections, police said.

Griselda Martinez, 41, of 101 Nasa Circle in Round Lake, is accused of leaving her Chevrolet van parked at an Advance Auto in Palatine with the dogs left inside. She is charged with one felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals and 11 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. A $60,000 bond was set in the case.

Police said they spotted her van in the parking lot at the Advanced Auto, 1770 N. Rand Road, at 3:16 p.m. on Sunday. The back door of the van was open and an officer observed crates and cages stacked from floor to ceiling, according to the news release.

With temps in the 90s, the officer looked inside to find dogs foaming at the mouth and sitting in feces, police said. Some of the dogs were whimpering.

As the officer approached the van, a female passenger got out of the van and attempted to close the back van door. She told the officer the van belonged to her and let the officer into the van so he could check on the well-being of the dogs, according to the news release.

“The officer immediately observed a French Bulldog that was not moving,” according to the news release.

More officers arrived on scene and began to pull the cages from the van and offer the dogs water. Three dogs that appeared to be the most distressed were put in squad cars and were immediately taken to Golf Rose Animal Hospital, police said.

Two of those dogs died of heat stroke.

The remaining dogs were taken inside the air-conditioned Advanced Auto building. They were then all transported to the animal hospital for treatment.

Martinez is next expected in court on Sept. 8.

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