GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) – A man from Fort Collins, Colorado was sentenced for the death of his dog, who died after being left inside a car for four hours in 80-degree temperatures.
The incident occurred on July 4, 2023, when the man drove to the Foothills Golf Course in Littleton to play golf, bringing his German Shepherd mix, “Keef,” along. Witnesses reported hearing loud whimpering from the dog inside the car, prompting them to call 911. Despite efforts to rescue the dog, it was unresponsive and later confirmed to have died of heat exhaustion.
In October 2023, the man pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and was sentenced to 60 days in jail, two years of probation, 100 hours of public service, monitored sobriety, a dog ownership class, court fines and fees, and a two-year ban on dog ownership.
The court emphasized the negligent and reckless nature of the man’s actions, stating that leaving a dog in a hot car for several hours while golfing and drinking beer was unacceptable and deserving of a jail sentence. The judge also highlighted that cracked windows would not have saved the dog’s life.
Following the sentencing, the man’s counsel filed an emergency motion to appeal the judgment. There were no charges for the individual who broke out the car window in an attempt to rescue the dog, as Colorado law prevents penalties for such actions in an effort to avoid harm to pets or at-risk individuals in hot vehicles.