A desperate, howling dog chained to a pole in the midday searing sun died from exposure to the heat, but the owners may not face charges.
The South Los Angeles dog death was accidental, according to investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Animal Cruelty Task Force.
A witness called authorities just before 1 p.m. Wednesday to report the dog’s plight in the 7400 block of South San Pedro Street, according to LAPD Officer Tony Im.
Officers located the dog, which subsequently died, Im said.
Neighbors said they heard the dog barking and howling throughout the morning hours as temperatures rose amid a heat wave that has gripped the Southland.
Forecasters again urged caution for animals and people in response to blistering temperatures across the Southland. They urged people and pets to stay indoors or in the shade, avoid strenuous work in high heat and drink plenty of water.
“Never, ever leave people or pets in enclosed vehicles, even for a short period of time,” warned an NWS statement, noting interior vehicle temperatures can rapidly rise to lethal levels.
And don’t leave trapped pets chained in the midday sun.
— Staff and wire reports