BENSALEM, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A dog died after police said it was left inside a hot car while its owner was gambling at Parx Casino in Bucks County. The owner is now facing serious animal cruelty charges.
On June 29, Bensalem police received calls about a dog left alone inside a car parked outside Parx Casino. The owner, Andrew DeShield, was arrested and charged with several counts of animal cruelty.
Officials said DeShield was gambling inside the casino and left his dog in the car.
A veterinarian said the dog died after suffering from a type of heat stroke.
“It’s a terrible way for an animal to die and completely avoidable,” said Cindy Kelly, director of communications for the Bucks County SPCA.
Not only is keeping an animal alone in a car without air conditioning cruel, it is also illegal.
“People do need to realize there are stiff consequences,” Kelly said.
With such hot weather, she said pet owners need to think ahead.
“You need to find an alternative for your animal. Leave them at home where they are safe or don’t go in the middle of a hot day,” she said. “They need to be thinking of their care and their needs just like you would for children.”
Kelly also urged anyone who sees an animal alone in a hot car to call 911.
DeShield is being held on $200,000 bail.