What to Know
- Kimberly Sterling, 36, of Milford, is charged with cruelty to animals, failure to vaccinate for rabies and failure to obtain a dog license.
- Sterling allegedly left her dog tethered outside her Delaware home for hours on July 18 during dangerously hot temperatures.
- Officers rushed the dog to medical treatment but the animal died while en route.
A woman was arrested after her dog died while tethered outside her Delaware home during dangerously hot temperatures, police said.
Kimberly Sterling, 36, of Milford, is charged with cruelty to animals, failure to vaccinate for rabies and failure to obtain a dog license.
On July 18, the Office of Animal Welfare’s Delaware Animal Services (DAS) unit responded to a report of a dog tethered outside a home in Milford, Delaware. The high was 91 degrees in the Delaware area that day. When the officers arrived they found the dog tangled in a tether with visible injuries. The animal also appeared to be suffering from heat stroke. The officers said they were unable to make contact with anyone inside the home.
The officers cut the tether and rushed the dog to medical treatment. The dog died while en route however. At that time, two DAS officers were able to make contact with the owner, who investigators identified as Sterling. Sterling allegedly left her dog tethered outside the home for several hours.
Investigators said there was no evidence of any shelter, shade or water for the dog.
The officers also spotted a second dog inside the home and removed the animal for a medical evaluation, investigators said.
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Sterling was arrested and arraigned on Tuesday. She was released on her own recognizance pending a court hearing.
Dogs and other pets should never be left outside during excessive heat. For more tips on keeping your pet safe during dangerously high temperatures, click here.
