Dog Freed From Hot Car In Franklin, Pet Sitter Charged

FRANKLIN, TN — Franklin Police rescued a dog locked inside a hot car in a Cool Springs parking lot and charged its 29-year-old sitter with cruelty after she was found to be shopping while the pooch was trapped.

The dog was left inside a car with its door locked and engine off. The windows were cracked, according to police, but the dog, left without water, was panting and shaking. The police gained entry to the car and gave the dog water. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

In the meantime, Brianne Hernandez, 29, returned to the car after shopping nearby and said she was caring for the dog. The dog's owners gave permission for the animal to be returned to her, but she was cited for cruelty to animals. The dog is fine. Hernandez is due in court July 6.

Fox 17 reporter Justin McFarland happened to be on the scene and videoed the incident:

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