MANSFIELD – Life just got a whole lot better for Violet, an affectionate terrier mix who was rescued by the Richland County Humane Society.
But several other local canines weren’t so lucky.
Law enforcement and humane society officials responded to four separate cases of animal abuse or neglect on Thursday, involving a total of six dogs. Several of them died due to complications from extreme heat.
Four Mansfield residents were charged in Mansfield Municipal Court on Friday with cruelty to animals, a second-degree misdemeanor — Dejon M. Davis, 25; Roger A. Seiter, 55; Jessica E. Warner, 32; and Dustin Hittle, 35.
Two of the dogs were locked in a parked car at the Walmart on Possum Run Road. Another was left behind in a home with no air conditioning after its owners moved away.
Other dogs were found outside in various states of heat stress, according to Linda Chambers, managing director of the Humane Society of Richland County.
Chambers said the humane society became involved after residents reported the various abuse and neglect cases to local law enforcement.
The calls started coming in around 3 p.m.
“The people who were reporting these calls did the right thing, they called local law enforcement, which is what we always recommend that they do, when they see animals outside, struggling,” Chambers said.
While the humane society is in charge of caring for animals rescued from abuse, neglect or abandonment, Chambers recommend contacting law enforcement first because they may be able to arrive more quickly and have the ability to make arrests.
Animal cruelty is a crime in Ohio and can be charged as a misdemeanor or even a fifth-degree felony, Chambers said.
Chambers urged anyone who suspects a pet may be suffering not to wait.
“This is a timely thing, especially when it’s this hot out,” she said. “If they’ve been out in the sun all day and they haven’t had access to water, the damage has been done.”
“If you see something, don’t assume that someone else is going to report it,” she said. “If you see an animal or a person that appears to be in distress, you’d rather be safe than sorry.”
That call could make a world of difference for animals like Violet, who Linda believes is likely around two years old.
Violet spent Friday morning soaking up the attention of humane society staff.
Like nearly all of the animals at the shelter, she’ll be available for adoption soon.
“We’ll get her all vaccinated, get her fixed and do all the things that we do as part of our intake. Get her heartworm tested and flea treated,” Chambers said.
Here’s how to keep pets safe in extreme heat
During period of extreme heat, pet owners should provide constant access to water and keep pets inside whenever possible. Pets should not be kept inside a parked car for any length of time.
If a dog has to be outside, Chambers recommended keeping them off the pavement, which can retain more heat, and providing shade and/or a kiddie pool with cool water. If a dog must be walked, Chambers suggested brief strolls early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lowest.
“The people that want to take their dogs on hikes, wait until it cools down a little bit,” she said. “It’s just too hot to spend any prolonged amount of time outside for people and animals.”
Pet owners should also pay attention for signs their animal may be overheated.
Signs an animal might be overheated include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
Mansfield police Chief Jason Bammann called the several cases of animal abuse “a tragedy.”
“Just like with children, the public needs to be aware of how quickly a vehicle can heat up to fatal temperature,” he said. “Also check on your pets outside in these extreme temps.”
