The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Police/Courts

June 3, 2009

Police: Woman left dog inside hot car for 6 hours

Amelia A. Pridemore

A Delaware woman faces criminal charges after Beckley police say she left her dog for six hours inside a hot car, parked across the street from police headquarters.

Amy Elizabeth Marlow, 23, of Wilmington, Del., was charged with misdemeanor cruelty to animals, Police Chief Tim Deems said. She was given a citation to appear in Beckley Municipal Court.

Around 2 p.m. Tuesday, city police were told a dog was inside a vehicle parked in the lot across from headquarters, Deems said. Patrolman M.R. Gonzalez responded and found the medium-sized, mixed-breed black and tan dog inside Marlow’s vehicle. A witness said the dog had been inside the car since 8 a.m.

Windows were cracked about 6 to 8 inches, and officers were able to reach inside the vehicle and unlock it, Deems said. Noting temperatures reached 80 degrees Tuesday, he said the dog was panting. Officers gave the dog water, then took it to the Raleigh County Animal Shelter. They also left a note inside the vehicle for the owner to contact police.

At 3:40 p.m., Marlow came to the police department asking about her dog, Deems said. She was then issued the municipal court citation.

Marlow had apparently been attending a Raleigh County Magistrate Court hearing, Deems said.

Animals involved in such cases must remain at the animal shelter until charges are resolved. Acquitted owners can reclaim their pets, but after a conviction, the pets often become available for adoption.

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Police/Courts