Arizona dogs found in hot truck returned to owner

PIMA COUNTY - There are countless animal lovers in Tucson, so stories of mistreatment strike a nerve.    

Dogs seized from a hot car one week ago have been returned to their owner.

The animals were cleared to go home on Wednesday, but one dog rescue group is asking why the owner was allowed that option.

"With what the dogs have already been through, it is very traumatic for any dog, no matter what condition they're living in, to be taken from that environment and put in a shelter with people they don't know, and then returned back to these conditions," said Leah Cox, with Charlotte’s Way Dog Rescue.

Cox was hoping she'd get the chance to rescue and rehabilitate the pack. She said many were shy and unsocialized.

They're already working with ten of the dog's yard mates, surrendered by the same owner just days before the hot car incident.

"My biggest worry for these dogs is they're not going to have that chance," said Cox.

"We’re very grateful for all the people that care about animal welfare in our county, we rely on them to keep our animals safe,” said Detective Robin Crehan with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.  "While people, many times, see their pets as children or family members and treat them as such, that is not an action that is required by law, being sufficient food water and shelter at the very least, and immediate attention to any medical issues that may arise."

PCSD said it must enforce the laws as they are written. In Arizona, dogs are considered property.

Even with charges pending, an owner may still be entitled to them, depending on the severity of the charges. Each case is looked at and evaluated individually.

"The individual was found to be, upon investigation, in compliance with current licensing and other laws," said Det. Crehan. "The animals themselves were in good condition."

Rescuers are working with the ten dogs surrendered by the man. The hope is that they can be adopted out in the coming weeks.

Source: KVOA.com /  Lauren Reimer

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