Dog Dies, Owner Charged: Harford Sheriff

Animal cruelty charges are pending against the owner of a dog who died in Belcamp Thursday, after the animal was allegedly left on a deck lacking shade and water, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

An animal control officer responded to a report of a chocolate lab left on a second-story deck in the heat; and when the officer arrived, the dog had collapsed and was suffering from heat stroke, the sheriff's office said in a statement.

The officer responded to the call in the 1400 block of Tarragon Court at approximately 2:44 p.m. on Thursday, July 7,

"The air temperature at the time was between 91 and 93 degrees, and the surface of the deck registered 109 degrees..." the sheriff's office said in a statement, noting that the deck was wet at the time; before officers arrived, a neighbor tried to help the dog by wetting it with a hose.

"Unfortunately, despite quick rescue efforts and immediate medical care by the Animal Control Officer on scene, followed by those attempted by a local veterinarian, the dog did not survive the exposure to the heat and direct sun," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "The owner is being charged with animal cruelty."

Officials remind dog owners that they are required to provide adequate shelter and water if they leave their pet outside. "Not only is it the law, but the right and humane thing to do," the sheriff's office said. "Help us keep your pets safe, and prevent another sad event like this from happening."

Photo Credit: Morguefile.