Cruelty Charges Filed In Death of Dog

This is just sickening! Come on people! Use some common sense and think before you leave your animal in this type of situation. Stop and think! Would you want to sit in a car and have this happen to YOU?

Animal cruelty charges have been obtained against a woman whose dog died from being left in a car in 104-degree heat July 6, according to charging documents filed in Frederick County District Court.

A summons has been issued charging Cathryn Cordyack Washington, 67, of Fairmont, W.Va., with two cruelty charges for failing to provide adequate food, water and shelter and infliction of unnecessary suffering and pain, documents state.

Harold Domer, director of Frederick County Animal Control, said the investigation by Sgt. David Luckenbaugh found that Washington arrived at the Frederick Costco parking lot about 9:30 a.m. and found that the store did not open until 10 a.m.

Once the store opened, she left her 14-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, Delta, in the car and shopped until about 11:15 a.m.

When Washington returned to her car, she found Delta in distress and the dog died, Domer said.

Washington then went back into the store and returned dog products she had purchased, he said.

An Aug. 31 court date has been set for Washington in District Court.

A car interior on a sunny day can reach a temperature of 130 degrees within minutes, officials said.

Leaving animals unattended in vehicles in conditions that endanger their health and safety is a violation of state law, authorities said.

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