Dog Left In Hot Car For 3 Hours Dies, Woman Charged: Southington PD

SOUTHINGTON, CT — For the second time in days, Southington police have arrested somebody in connection with a dog being left in a hot car, this time resulting in a dog's death.

The Southington Police Department said in a news release that it has charged Suzy Lynn Rivers, 37, of Rita Ave., Cheshire, with cruelty to animals in connection with a June 29 incident.

Police said Rivers turned herself in to police Tuesday to face the charge, and she was released on a $15,000 non-surety bond. She is scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on Aug. 3, police said.

Police accused her of leaving her Boston terrier dog in a hot car during a summer afternoon for three hours outside the Southington Public Library, which ultimately resulted in the dog's death.

Southington police released details of the June 29 incident, which occurred in the library's parking lot, 255 Main. St.

According to police, officers on June 29 received a report from the dog owner, Suzy Rivers, who called police to report her dog was inside her car, parked at the Southington Library, and it was not moving.

Upon officer’s arrival, it was determined that the complainant's year-and-a-half-old Boston terrier was deceased, police said in a release.

Rivers' vehicle was found to be parked in full sunlight with an outside temperature of 81 degrees, police said.

According to the SPD, an investigation determined, at approximately noon, Rivers arrived at the library.

At approximately 3 p.m., Rivers had a conversation with a library employee before being observed outside the library with another library employee, according to police.

Police said employees inside saw the library employee inside Rivers' vehicle and became suspicious.

Police officials said, upon going to check on the situation, it was discovered Rivers' dog was moved outside the vehicle and deceased.

Witnesses report Rivers' driver’s side rear window was open approximately 6 inches during the time parked, according to authorities.

After removing the dog from the vehicle, first aid was attempted, however, that proved unsuccessful, police said.

SPD animal control officers arrived and determined the interior of the vehicle recorded temperatures between 99 to 105 degrees, further noting the breed of dog commonly experiences breathing problems and are susceptible to stress and excessive heat, police said.

Citing surveillance video from the library, police said Rivers entered the library on June 29 at
11:57 a.m. and left the library at approximately 3 p.m.

The time stamp from the video confirmed Rivers was inside the library with her dog in her vehicle for a little over 3 hours, according to the SPD.

See also: A Third Arrest For A Dog In A Hot Car: Southington PD

• Woman Left Dog In Hot Car: Southington Police

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"Woman Left Dog In Hot Car: Southington Police"