Clarksville puppies die after being left outside for nine hours - WSMV News 4

The Montgomery County DA is considering whether to charge a Clarksville woman with animal cruelty after her two puppies died of heat exhaustion Monday.

Montgomery County Animal Control director Jeanette Farrell said the puppies were chained outside for more than nine hours with no shade and no water. The heat index topped 90 degrees for most of the day.

Meanwhile, Metro Animal Control officers in Nashville have received dozens of calls this week about dogs being left in the heat.

“They can overheat in a matter of minutes,” said Officer Susan Baker. “Go stand in your backyard and let the heat bare down on you. You’re not covered in fur, so it can be very disastrous for them and it can happen in a few minutes.”

Baker said many of the calls they receive are from people who find dogs locked in hot cars. Officers are patrolling this week for dogs chained or tethered outside.

It’s illegal in Davidson County to tether a dog outside when the heat index reaches 95 degrees.

Officers will first try to educate pet owners who neglect their animals, if the problem persists, they’ll write a citation.

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