A Schuylkill County man faces animal cruelty and neglect charges after police say he left a German Shepherd outside without adequate water during last week’s extremely hot weather.
Long Thauh Tran, 55, of Saint Clair, is charged with misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals and neglect of animals.
Police in Saint Clair say they responded to an animal complaint on the afternoon of July 3. A witness told police that a dog had been left outside in the extreme heat throughout the day and the previous night. The witness said the animal was constantly kept outside with little to no human interaction. According to the witness, Tran had constructed a small addition for the dog, but they did not believe the animal had unrestricted access to the inside of the home.
Police arrived at Tran’s residence on N. Mill St., getting no answer at the door, and found a young male German Shepherd actively panting. Police observed a self-filling water bowl containing approximately one inch of dirty water, a bowl with dog food, and an additional empty, dry bowl. Police noted the enclosed side yard consisted primarily of blacktop, which police say raised concerns for the pads of the dog’s feet.
At the time of the incident, temperatures in Saint Clair were about 95 degrees with a Heat Index of 106, and an Extreme Heat Warning was in effect.
Another neighbor approached police at the scene, provided the dog with a container of cold water, and said the dog is consistently left outside. The neighbor told police they had previously confronted the owners regarding the dog’s welfare. The neighbor also said that Tran typically does not return to the residence until approximately 6 p.m., leaving the dog unattended outside throughout the day.
Police determined Tran’s actions could lead to the dog becoming dehydrated or suffering a heat stroke. Police contacted a humane officer, and the dog was subsequently seized and taken to a Schuylkill County animal rescue.
Tran is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 11.
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