Dog Left in Car for 12 Hours Dies

The dog's owners were arrested Thursday.

A Groton couple is accused of leaving their dog in a hot car for 12 hours, resulting in the canine's death.

According to police, Heidi Hunter, 21, and Gabriel Hunter, 22, left their 8-year-old shepherd mix in the car from the night of July 7 in to the following day. Connecticut was in the middle of a heat wave that weekend, according to weather data.

The dog was found dead in the car July 8. Police began an investigation into the husband and wife the following day.

Heidi and Gabriel Hunter were arrested Thursday and released on a promise to appear in court Sept. 6.

Police want to warn pet owners about the dangers of leaving animals in hot vehicles. Anyone who sees an unattended pet in a car is urged to call Groton Animal Control at 860-441-6709 or Groton Police at 860-441-6712.

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