Dog Left In Hot Car, Owner Arrested: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden woman was arrested after police say she left her dog inside a hot car for about 45 minutes while she was grocery shopping. The inside of the vehicle had reached 120 degrees, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Police responded to the parking lot at 2335 Dixwell Ave. on June 2 and were alerted by a concerned citizen that a “small Bichon mix” dog was left inside of a parked vehicle and that it was panting excessively, according to Smith. Officer Rachel Zinni went to a nearby supermarket, where an announcement was made in an attempt to locate the owner but was unsuccessful, Smith said.

The Hamden Fire Department responded and was attempting to enter the car when the dog’s owner, Shi Zhuhong, returned with “a cart full of groceries,” Smith said.

Firefighters determined that the interior of the vehicle had reached 120 degrees and the exterior of the vehicle was 140 degrees. Police determined that the dog was left inside of the vehicle for approximately 45 minutes, Smith said.

Zhuhong, 47, of Hamden, was arrested on a charge of cruelty to animals. Zhuhong, who was released on a written promise to appear, is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on June 17.

Hamden Police offer the following information concerning animal safety:

• If the heat is extreme, the animal should NOT be left unattended.
• Park the vehicle in an area where there is shade.
• Use a screen to block the rays of the sun.
• Leave a bowl of water inside of the vehicle.
• Do not leave your animal unattended for more than 10 minutes.

If you observe an animal locked inside of a hot vehicle:

• Write down the make, model and license plate number of the vehicle.
• If there is a business nearby, attempt to locate and notify a store employee or security personnel.
• Contact your local police department or animal control division.