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Police warn about leaving animals outside without cold water, shelter

One dog owner whose pit bull had to be euthanized is facing animal cruelty charges.

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer 11:21 PM Tuesday, July 12, 2011

MIDDLETOWN —The gruesome death of a dog last week has police urging residents to provide proper care for their animals or they could face charges.

Charles Kelly, 38, of Middletown pleaded guilty to charges of improper confinement of a vicious dog, a first-degree misdemeanor, and cruelty to animals, a second-degree misdemeanor, after Middletown police reportedly found his 2-year-old brown male pitbull hanging from its leash out in the sun July 3.

Lt. Jim Cunningham said Kelly was working on a home in the 800 block of 16th Avenue and left the dog tethered to a pole in the basement the previous afternoon.

The dog somehow got out — still leashed — and became entangled in the stair railing, causing the animal’s upper body to hang off the ground. The dog also injured its back and leg and had no access to food or water, police said.

“It looked like the dog had been there for several hours, if not for a 24-hour period,” Cunningham said. “It was 90-plus degrees outside and there was no shade.”

Due to the dog “obviously being in pain and agony,” it was euthanized, according to the police report.

It’s the first animal cruelty incident involving a dog outside that Middletown police responded to since the June 24 resignation of Humane Officer Liz Lucas. Officers will now be responsible for handling more animal complaints in conjunction with the Butler County Dog Warden.

Amid this week’s sweltering heat, police are expecting more calls that could result in charges against negligent owners.

“We take a lot of calls on animal complaints, like check their well-being when people don’t give them water or shelter from the heat,” he said. “If it is an obvious sign of neglect — no water or shade — we’ll charge the owner.”

In the case of Kelly, Middletown Municipal Court Judge Mark Wall sentenced him to 30 days in jail and $400 in fines. He credited Kelly for three days served and suspended 27 days, according to court records. Kelly could not be reached for comment.

Health Commissioner Jackie Phillips said humans and animals need plenty of cold water — not hot bowls that have been sitting in the sun — to avoid dehydration. She also warned against shaving some dog breeds as fur layers can help trap air and cool the animal while protecting it from sunburn.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.

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