Metro

A Tyrone man was charged with his English Bulldog’s death from heat stroke after he allegedly left the dog in a car with an internal temperature exceeding 120 degrees.

James William Smith, 43, was arraigned Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge Benjamin F. Jones on a single felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals causing serious bodily injury or death. He was remanded to the Blair County Prison, unable to post his $50,000 bail.

Allegheny Township police officers were completing a traffic crash investigation about 4:23 p.m. on Wednesday when bystanders informed them of a dog alone in a truck parked at 2900 Plank Road. The vehicle was found to be registered to Smith, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Officers noted the vehicle was parked in direct sunlight and that they could see the dog lying on the driver’s seat panting and unable to stand. A tow truck driver opened the door, allowed the dog to be removed and placed in the shade. Employees from a nearby restaurant provided water and ice to help the dog, the police report stated.

While the dog was being treated, Smith exited the plaza building and was detained. Smith told officers he had a meeting with a counselor at 3:30 p.m. and believed the dog was in his vehicle for about 40 minutes. Officers were informed by dispatch that the current outdoor temperature was 81 degrees, the report stated.

An officer drove the dog to Sylvan Veterinary Hospital at 2135 Plank Road, Duncansville. The officer reported that, according to the veterinarian’s notes, the dog was pronounced dead on arrival from a heat stroke, had an internal temperature of 108 degrees and was hot to the touch. Officers then took an internal temperature reading of Smith’s truck, which had been standing with its doors open, and received a reading of about 120 degrees, according to the affidavit.

Officers requested Smith pay restitution to the Central Pa. Humane Society for the dog’s holding and cremation, as well as to Sylvan for its vet bills. Smith is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in front of Magisterial District Judge Matthew Dunio on June 19.