Felton Charles Henderson, 72, was booked by Escambia County police Friday on a charge of animal cruelty causing death, pain and suffering, according to local media reports. His bond was set at $45,000 (£38,000). Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons told local media that Mr. Henderson’s daughter left her three dogs with him while she went out of town for a few days. She left behind water and food and did everything right, according to the sheriff’s office. “When she came back after a couple of days, she asked where her dogs were,” Mr Simmons said. “Henderson takes her to a blue Toyota Camry, opens the doors and pulls out three dead dogs.” The sheriff said the defendant locked those dogs in his car “knowing full well they weren’t going to survive.” All three dogs perished in the heat. “It’s obvious that all he did was lock these dogs in today’s heat, yesterday’s heat, yesterday’s heat,” Mr Simmons said. Mr. Henderson said nothing before gathering some items from the garage and leaving, according to an arrest report cited by North Escambia. The sheriff said it was obvious she locked the dogs in the car despite the summer heat the last few days. “You can imagine the suffering they (the dogs) probably went through,” Mr Simmons added. “Arrested for animal cruelty.” “This is no way to treat an animal. They rely on you to give them care and attention, and you did none of that, so you’re going to jail for animal abuse.” Leaving pets unattended in a parked car is considered animal abuse under Florida law. Even if it’s for a short time, offenders receive high fines for doing so. Temperatures rise quickly in a parked car and can cause irreparable organ damage or even death.
