By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR – A woman who allegedly left two dogs in a hot car for more than an hour may face criminal charges, and police and city officials have taken steps to find proper care for the puppies.
Police Chief Mary Sclabassi said a 32-year-old Romulus woman was arrested Aug. 12 after security officials at Southland Center responded to two dogs that clearly had suffered while the woman had her nails done.
“People saw that the dogs appeared to be suffering in the heat,” Sclabassi said.
Afternoon temperatures had been around 90 degrees, elevated inside an enclosed vehicle. Police were called when it was clear that the animals had been inside for “an extended period of time,” Sclabassi said, and mall security officers were asked to check on the animals.
“When they arrived, the decision was made to break out the window to rescue the dogs,” Sclabassi said.
Police and officers from Animal Control soon arrived, and the overheated puppies were taken to the shelter. Sclabassi said the dogs have since been placed in another home.
Police arrested the woman when she returned to her vehicle, and a court date has been set for arraignment on pending charges. The woman reportedly remained in custody due to a warrant from another community for undisclosed charges.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected].)