Woman Who Left 2 Dogs In Hot Car Banned From Owning Pets

A woman who left her two Maltese terriers inside a hot car for five hours last year has received a suspended prison term and been banned from owning pets in the future.

According to the RSPCA

Karan Thompson was visiting her daughter at the Lyell McEwin Hospital in March 2016, when she left the dogs inside her red Ford sedan parked outside.

It was only the care of a passer-by who noticed the distressed dogs that allowed one to survive the ordeal, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) chief inspector Andrea Lewis said.

Ms Lewis said the RSPCA and police were immediately called and helped smash the car’s window to rescue the animals.

“Their quick thinking saved the life of Zoe, one of the dogs. Tragically it was too late for the other dog, who died from severe heat stroke,” she said.

RSPCA inspectors who rushed to the scene initially did not know if Zoe would pull through.

Suffering severe heat stroke and unconscious, Zoe was wrapped in a wet towel in a desperate effort to bring her temperature down.

Dog had signs of neglect

“The dog that died was also neglected in terms of dental issues, matting, and skin conditions. It was a tragic sight,” RSPCA Chief Inspector Andrew Lewis said in a statement.

The woman was found guilty of animal cruelty charges in the Elizabeth Magistrates’ Court and sentenced to two months and three weeks’ imprisonment.

She is also banned from owning any animals until further order and must pay $3500 in veterinary and legal fees.

Zoe, who has now fully recovered and found a new home after being adopted from the RSPCA’s Lonsdale shelter, which Ms. Lewis said was a “reminder that some happiness can come out of such a tragic situation”.

Reference: ABC

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