PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire — Portsmouth police charged a Portland woman with cruelty to animals for leaving a black Labrador Retriever in a car with the windows slightly cracked on a hot day.
Police say witnesses parking their vehicles at the Worth Parking Lot in Portsmouth Saturday night heard barking coming from a small car around 8:30 p.m.
Approximately an hour and a half later, the dog was still in the car and was now whining and pacing. Portsmouth police were called in.
After about 45 minutes, police removed the dog because the animal was demonstrating addition signs of distress.
The animal was taken to a local veterinary hospital and treated for moderate dehydration.
Police say 21-year-old Nakita Haller called police later that evening and stated she was caring for the dog but that he wasn’t hers. Haller told police she was on her way to the hospital but she never showed up.
Following Haller’s arrest, she revealed the dog belongs to her brother but would not disclose his name or location. He is being sought for questioning as this is an ongoing investigation.
The dog currently remains at the SPCA in Stratham, New Hampshire.
Anyone with information is asked to call 603-610-7509.