LAKE HAVASU CITY – Increasing temperatures prompt reminders about providing proper care and protection for pets in the heat. Lake Havasu City police responded to reports of a dog in distress on May 1.
A police narrative indicated its owner chained her dog to the door of her van while she was shopping inside a retail clothing store during the heat of the day at 96 degrees shortly after 5 p.m.
The animal had been left without shade, water or food. A dish was located near the vehicle, but it was empty.
“The dog exhibited signs of severe heat exhaustion, including heavy, labored breathing and an inability to remain still,” the police report said. “The dog was constantly cycling its paws off the black asphalt, which is a behavior indicative of the surface causing physical pain or burns to the paw pads.”
The report noted that pavement can heat to 165 degrees in 95-degree weather.
Veronica Vera was issued a citation for animal cruelty.
Dave Hawkins
