Couple Who Left Dog In Hot Jeep Arraigned

SALEM, MA — The couple accused of leaving their dog in a hot car for hours Sunday during which time it died is was arraigned Monday in Salem District Court. Brendan Bulfin, 38, of Setauket, NY, and Courtney Casey, 28, of Brighton, each face one count of animal cruelty for allegedly leaving their 3-year-old French Bulldog, Nigil, in the car for more than five hours at the Salem Commuter Rail Parking Lot.

Bail was set for Bulfin and Casey at $250. They were ordered not to have custody of, control, or reside with an animal.

Two witnesses called Salem Police reporting the dead dog around 5:55 p.m. The same witnesses had seen the dog in the red Jeep Wrangler earlier in the day around 1:05 p.m.

Emergency responders found the dog near a pool of its vomit, transit authorities said. While responders were attempting to break into the car and retrieve the dog, Bulfin and Casey returned. They opened the car and the dog was confirmed dead.

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Nov. 16.

Google Earth screenshot of Salem Commuter Rail Parking Lot