Men Left Puppy in Hot Car to Go on Drunken Bender in Hyannis: Police

Two men left their puppy in a hot car while they went on a drunken bender in Hyannis, police said.

The puppy was rescued by police and placed in the care of animal control.

Matthew Bernier, 27, of Westport (pictured at left), and Justin Wagner, 29, of Fall River (at right), were charged with felony animal cruelty.

Police said they first encountered the pair Monday at about 12:30 a.m. at the Tap City Grill, where they got drunk and refused to leave, police said. The pair then took a cab to Falmouth, police said.

A short time later, the pair ended up at the Duck Inn Pub and called police, saying someone stole their car. Officers said the men were so drunk they couldn’t find their vehicle—no one actually stole it.

At that point, police said they learned the men left their dog in a vehicle the whole time they were out drinking. The dog was last seen at about 5 p.m., police said.

Officers found the vehicle in the Main Street area at about 3 a.m. A German Shepherd puppy was inside.

“The temperature at that time was 82 degrees with humidity at 65 percent,” police said in a statement. “Officers found that the vehicle’s windows were not open at all and there was a dog inside in distress.

“The dog was in a homemade ’kennel’ made out of a box and a blue tarp in the truck cab. The ... puppy was panting heavily and appeared frightened.”

Officers gave the puppy water and it appeared to improve. The dog was nicknamed “Midnight” and turned over to animal control.

“Midnight” after she was rescued Monday. (Credit: Barnstable police)

Wagner and Bernier were held in custody pending an arraignment Tuesday.

Bernier flipped off the camera as his mugshot was taken: