puppy and I I can't see it, but it's crying. It appears to be in distress. >> Yeah. Oh, >> let me don't mind holding him. Let me grab her. >> Throughout history, dogs have stood by our side as loyal companions, no matter a person's status or position. What happens when these faithful friends are betrayed, left helpless, and in danger by the very people they trusted them? >> Back up. Yeah. Come here. Come here. Good girl. There >> are several wholesome moments when cops save dogs from cruel owners. Starting with the case of a dog abandoned in an SUV that was about to pass out if not for the quick intervention of the cops. >> Back up. >> Yeah. Come here. Come here. Good girl. Oh, that's a good girl. Stay here. I don't know. >> On July the 8th, 2024, at 11:46 a.m., Brandon police officers responded to a distressing call. A dog trapped inside a scorching SUV in 90° heat. Abandoned without a second thought, the helpless animal struggled as its owners showed no regard for its fate. >> I know, buddy. I'm going to get you out. You're hot in there. I get it. You got a leash? Back up, buddy. With the doors firmly locked, the officers stood at a crossroads, walking away or breaking things to save the suffering canine. While the first option was impractical, the second option, however, appeared more viable. >> Back up. Good boy. I know. You're so hot in here. Good boy. Good boy. Let's get out of here. Yeah. Come here. Come here. Good girl. Oh, that's a good girl. Stay here. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Good girl. >> Good girl. Yeah, we'll get you some water. Don't worry. >> Come here. Come here. We'll get her over here. I don't want the glass. Come here. Look. Right here. Let's get some water. Yeah. Let's get some water. Come here. Come here. Oh, good girl. I'm just setting down here. So thirsty. Uhoh. >> There you go. >> I don't I think your whatever stuff is down here is getting a little wet. Are you okay with that? I don't know what to think. >> The dog's owner was eventually located, but for now, as of the time of making this video, the canine remained in the custody of animal services as the investigation unfolded. Fortunately, Florida is one of 11 states that permit law enforcement and even bystanders to break into a vehicle to save a pet from deadly heat. While leaving a dog abandoned in the scorching heat was heartbreaking, it was nothing compared to this young puppy left trapped in a car barely clinging to life as the heat threatened to bake it alive. Hey, >> Sergeant 182. This uh it's a puppy and I I can't see it, but it's crying. It appears to be in distress. Oh, >> let me you don't mind holding him? Let me grab a let me grab something real quick. >> We got here and then now it's almost an hour or so and they still haven't came back. That dog would have been by then. >> At around 1:20 p.m. on June the 26th, 2016, concerned bystanders and police officers came together to rescue a helpless pup trapped inside a scorching car parked in a mall in Penn Skola while the temperature was scorching. Yet its owner had abandoned it without a second thought. >> Where you at? >> He fell off the back seat underneath. So I don't think he can get out. >> He's real small. He's like I want to say maybe maybe 69 months old. >> 182 to uh Sergeant 73. It appears to be in the SH 73. >> Hey, Serge 182. This uh it's a puppy and I I can't see it, but it's crying. It appears to be in distress. >> With a chilling whimper of the young canine cutting through the heart of every sane person around, the officer decided it was better to resort to desperate measures or risk losing the pup. 212 412. Are you half? >> Negative. I'm in front of the food court right now. >> Come here. >> Come here. Come here, little guy. Come here. Come here. Come here. Come here. Come here. Come here. >> Y'all got any water? >> I do. >> It's not really cold cuz I've had it a little bit. >> One should have been cold. >> My hands got hand. 182 can find nothing. Go ahead. >> Put a note. I had to make injury into the passenger uh front window. >> Oh, look at him. He know. >> Yeah. >> Let me You don't mind holding him? Let me grab a >> Let me grab something real quick. Get him some water. >> Where's he at? >> Oh, good. >> You got some cool water? >> That's hot. >> Oh, okay. We'll pour that out. This is not bad as cold, but it's cool. >> It's just cool. >> Let's get him in the shade. Are we getting him in my car? >> Yeah. >> Come on. Stay down. All right, we'll put you right here for right now. Right there. Get this AC. >> Yeah, you know, I got I have two small dogs. As the officers assessed the situation, trying to determine the best course of action, they stumbled upon another heartbreaking discovery. One that made it clear that they were the only hope left for the faint and tired little canine. These >> little guys is just >> pretty sad. It was It's been at least 20 30 minutes since we got here and then now it's almost an hour or so and they still haven't came back. That dog would have been by then. >> Yeah. Well, we got the call at 12:55. Um, and you know, so if we didn't get in >> Yeah. >> And I got it at uh 117. >> Yes. Yes. After >> the officer stayed composed, hoping the dog's owner would return in time, but fate had already made its decision, and this time consequences were inevitable. >> It's ridiculous. Sir, >> can you come over here for a second, please? We can finish all this. >> I can't hear you. last broke. Y'all just took the dog. Y'all going to say it was cool to the animal to have the dog in the vehicle that had one time. But we going to leave and go back home. You know what I'm saying? We just ran here. >> I get what you're saying. We got food in the car right now that we don't even want to fall. >> I understand that. But also, it's been an hour and 15 minutes now that y'all been in there at least since we've been here. >> So, that dog would have been in there in 94 plus degree temperatures for an hour and 15 minutes. So, what what's going to happen? Well, >> if you give me a second, let me write all this information down. I'll tell you everything. >> Are you nervous? You shaking. I'm talking, >> buddy. I'm not I'm not nervous. I've been out here in 100 degree weather for over an hour. >> So, you just need to get your information, basically. >> Yeah. Know, the only reason why I'm shaking is cuz I've been standing out in this 90 degree weather with full polyester. Basically, what happened, guys, is um I came up um unfortunately the dog was in distress and I couldn't get in your vehicle. Yeah, >> we couldn't make contact with you guys. So, per Florida law, we're actually allowed to break the window. Um, and that's what we did. So, we broke the window to get the dog. >> So, if y'all have any questions about that, I can give you all a case number where you can reference the whole report. I can get that in just a second if you want to. Um, and then you can go from there. Okay. >> So, you got the number the the uh >> animal control. I'm going to give them y'all's information and they'll give y'all a call. >> The thing is they're not open on the weekend for the public. So the number that we can give you, they're not going to answer what we're getting. >> So we're going to try to get in contact with them. He should man, >> he should hold on, man. I'm trying to tell you what the thing is. >> He should he should try to get a hold of you here very recently. It's just we don't have any way of contacting them until we leave a message with them. Then they'll be able to get back. So if you're going to be in town for at least another hour or so, I'm sure he'll call you within that time of getting it. So then we can at least figure out. So, in the end, the dog was returned to the owners, but they were given a civil penalty for cruelty to animal, a fine that carried $150 for first offenders. Next, we turn to the case of Diego, a dog left abandoned in a car on the brink of collapse. Just when things seemed dire, compassionate officers stepped in, turning a near tragedy into a rescue mission fueled by love and urgency. So, you're saying this meeting was so important that you're willing to risk your dog's life over? >> On June the 12th, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Police were called after a dog was found trapped inside a parked car for a brutal hour and a half in 95° heat. With the engine off and barely any ventilation, the poor pup was left to suffer in the sweltering temperatures. Authorities arrived just in time, hoping to save the pup not just from its cruel owners, but from the harsh weather as well. Just got to be careful. I don't know how mean it is. Do you want me to get my bunker coat on? >> Um, >> try to grab him. >> Yeah, maybe. >> Don't let it shut down. >> Are you see Honey, honey. >> Scared. >> Oh, yeah. He lunged at me and then the leash is right down there. I don't know if he can. Actually, you know, let's do this. Here, baby. You're okay, honey. You're okay. THERE WE GO. COME ON, BABY. Out you come. There you go, honey. Let's give you some more. >> Maybe it was the sting of betrayal or just raw frustration from being left behind. But the kindhearted rescuers never gave up trying to win the trust of the loyal pup. >> Hi, baby. >> Come here, sweetheart. Yep. Come here, sweetheart. Get you some water, baby. >> Yeah. Good boy. Oh, we're going to come over here and get some water. You thirsty, honey? I'm sure you are. >> You want some water? >> Okay. >> You want water? >> You want water? >> The only contact they have is >> here. Let's get this. Let me get you something to drink out of. You guys don't have to have any kind of like disposable cup or something to put water in. >> We have water bottles. >> Yeah, that's what I got, too. We need something real quick. >> Oh, you were panting up a storm. What? Scared. on his collar like he touched. Oh, now you're nice. >> He was all Yeah. Yeah. He was biting at us earlier, but he's calm down now. Little baby. OH, PERFECT. THANK YOU. WATER. >> MHM. WATER. WATER. I know. It's scary. Yeah. Thank you. >> Come on, honey. Okay, baby. You want to go? Give me up some music. Can you get up? I need help. I need help. There we go, honey. Get the AC on for you. >> While the officers were bonding with the now rejuvenated pup, they came face to face with someone who, ironically might have been the one in need of a leash or maybe a shiny pair of bracelets around their wrists. Melissa. >> Okay. Um, you want to sit over here? >> Is that your car or >> That's a my car. And that's your dog. >> Yes. Okay. I want to ask a few questions about what happened today. >> The cop's questioning was met with a web of well-crafted but utterly unjustifiable lies. >> Okay. So, what happened? What are you doing here? I was just going to a city hall meeting for an hour. Okay. >> And I was coming from doing things with the dog and I was like just an hour. It be okay. Oh, I'll be right back as quick as I can. What kind of meeting was it? Uh urban forestry council. >> Okay. So it's like a work related meeting or >> No, it's just a I mean anybody can be on the urban forestry council but I go because I'm also arborist and I work for Duke Energy and there's a lot of city food conflicts. So >> Okay. So it's kind of like a public interest meeting would be >> Yeah, I I guess. Yeah. >> So it's something you choose to go to cuz it's something that interests you like is >> Yeah. I'm trying to improve the canopy across the city. >> Gotcha. Okay. Um All right. What time did was did the meeting start? >> 5 like 5:30. 5:20 maybe. >> Okay. A little early. We can move it up. >> Okay. Um, so what time did you get here? >> It couldn't have been any later than 5:15. 520. >> Okay. Um, >> I mean, he's got the camera, right? You could see what time I got here. >> Okay. Cuz um, we got the call around 6:15 and the dog had been in the car for over an hour or the time. >> No way. I got here like 5:20. Could have been over an hour. That's what the witnesses said. Um, okay. So, where do you live at? >> Okay. >> Child's Park in Gport, right on the edge. >> So, why don't you just take the dog home? >> I was like running late. I've been having so many meetings today. I'm sorry. I won't do it again. It's just an hour. >> You know how hot it is out right now? Okay. Do you know how hot it gets on the car? >> And your windows will crack a quarter minute. You don't want anybody to like reach in and try to do something to him. I don't crack anymore for that reason. So, you're saying this meeting was so important that you're willing to risk your dog's life over? >> No. Um, that was dumb. I won't do it again. Okay. I'm sorry. I'm putting his laundry back IN for what? Oh, no. Let him know I'm 15 cuz my radio doesn't work. >> All right. You got anything on you? You shouldn't have anything that's going to stick me or poke me? Could you just walk? >> Yeah, we'll get that. Is there anything in the car that you need? Anything down that you need? You wearing bra right now? Okay. Nothing hidden up anywhere? Um, I still have the dog. Do you want to take her county or do you want to take the dog to free? >> I'm petiting for this dog. >> Oh, so she's not even your dog. >> It's a boy. He thinks >> Oh, he's he's not your dog. >> No, it's my dog for the weekend. >> Okay. So, what's the owner's name? Amber. What's her last name? Where is she right now? >> She lives in Pennsylvania. Okay. How do you spell her last name? It's her uh um wait I can't um would you make my glasses swipe uh message Amber Hart. Is she a friend of yours or Yeah. girlfriend or just friend? >> Girlfriend. >> Excer. Okay. >> However, the officers had seen this type before and they knew exactly how to handle it. >> So, when did you get the dog? >> On Thursday evening. >> Okay. And when were you taking it? When were you picking it back up? This coming Friday. >> I was supposed to take him home today, which was like the whole issue because um >> there was a flight that got delayed and cancelled. Yeah, that's her business card actually. So, she's still she's still out of town. >> Yeah. Um, she hasn't told me that her flight didn't get cancelled. So, yeah. >> Okay. >> Tomorrow is supposed to be I was supposed to meet her partner over the bridge. She dropped the dog off. We do the switch. >> Does is her partner around now? >> No. >> Where's he at? >> They're both out of town. Uh, she is in Fort Wayne, Indiana. >> Okay. Um, do you mind if we put her in your car for now and then we'll figure out in a second? Okay. dogs. We're not going to take a seat in his car for now. Oh, we got another pocket. Nothing in those pockets. I don't know. >> Yep. >> Um Yeah. hospital. >> In the end, she was charged with animal cruelty and booked into the Penllis County Jail. Next, we dive into the shocking case of a cat and a dog left in a car for hours. An act of neglect that didn't just put the animals in danger, but also landed their owners in handcuffs. >> I can feel the heat coming out of here. The leash is burning hot. The cat is still in here. He's panting really bad. The dog is up there. They're feeding it turkey. >> It won't get tighter if you mess with them. Okay. >> The day of October the 13th, 2023, the staff at Stayhore Hotel made a call that could mean the difference between life and death. They reported a hotel guest who had left their dog and cat locked inside a car for several hours. Trapped with no way to escape the rising heat. >> Scratching want to get out. >> What time was that? John John. John Cobb. >> John Cobb. >> Like 11 something. >> 11. You want to see that? >> I got super busy and I just came to go check the mail and came back. I'm like, "Wait a minute. Wow. >> Over 100. >> Yeah. >> And the dog was tied. Like you can't even get I don't know how we get the cat out. >> No. No access to water. No. Even the cat. Oh, there's a water bowl over there, but it's not knock. I'm uh I'm 1015ing this guy. >> You okay with that? >> Look at this cat. When do you ever see a cat pan? This turned out to be far more complicated than the officers had imagined. But these kind-hearted cops weren't about to leave a suffering canine or feline behind, even if it meant using brute force. ID80. >> What was that? >> ID80. >> I do. I just want to get video. >> 1098 November Romeo 1020. >> Uh, what kind of locks does it have? 12 seconds. I don't have a location. Nice unit here. If I get bit one. Hey puppy. Wow. >> I can feel the heat coming out of here. The leash is burning hot. Come on. As soon as I open the door, the cat is starving for air. I don't know if I want him in my car yet. It looks like he's peeing. Hey, >> this is officer RS with animal control. >> Hey, how are you? This guy's going to jail. Um, what's going on with these this dog and cat is unbelievable. The this cat is panting inside the car. So, if you could try to expedite getting here to get the cat out. We removed the dog, but there's also a cat in this car. Been in the car since 11:00 a.m. with the windows just barely cracked. >> Oh, okay. There's two of us on our way from the office, so we're going to as soon as we can. All right. I appreciate it. No problem. All right. Bye. After stabilizing the dog, the cops shifted their focus to the pet owner, setting plans in motion that would decide what would come next. Then, as bystanders stepped forward with their own accounts, each testimony made the story even more heartbreaking. >> May I be allowed to just come give the puppy love? >> Yeah. >> I just want to laugh. >> I came to look at the car cuz I've been here for like two weeks and I I don't recognize the car or the person. Did you report it to No, >> no, we just heard about it up upstairs. >> I just want to love Just give it >> Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. >> Um there's two guys and a girl that walked in that looked like they would be wearing a hat like that. Guy's got kind of a mustache and a beard. I'm not saying I do know that that's them, but I don't recognize his father. I've been here. Don't sleep. Is it a boy or a girl? >> Come here, puppy. I'm going to bring him up her up here before the rain starts really coming down. There's still another animal in the car, so we're waiting on There's a cat in there, too. >> Heartland. Yay. He's a good baby. >> You're very Oh, Jordan. You don't deserve that at all. I baby, >> she might be available for adoption. >> It's a home right now. >> I'm seizing her and the cat. >> Absolutely. >> We are displaced at the moment cuz I would in a second. I'm glad somebody called last. He called you, but I had a broke window for you. >> The young lady who showed you the video of how to get the window open, that's his wife. That's how we knew it. Came downstairs. >> Tell you what, so you just don't get ones too. >> So you don't get full on nothing, go ahead and put this in between there. Eat some bread. >> Yay. smaller. You want to go eat that? >> My dog won't eat that whole meat. You have to tear it smaller pieces. >> Oh. Do you want to be a witness? >> In the morning with the dog in there? >> Oh, dog. >> The dog was inside the car. >> Yeah, it was 5 in the morning. You're an hour. >> What time was that at? >> Do you mind if I get your uh driver's license? >> I don't have it. >> Your name and date of birth? >> I'll give you that. All right. >> May I? I would love to >> just be careful anything happens. >> Am I coming over to my car real quick? >> Cuz whoever did this, we're seizing their animals and they're definitely going to jail. >> Oh, that's nice. >> Cuz there's a cat in there, too. >> What in there? >> Cat that we can't get out because we don't have the tools to do. So, we're waiting on animal control. >> How do you get the dog? >> Cuz the dog's on the leash. A cat, you know, you grab that, it'll squ all over. And you came out here at 8:00. It's right here. Gentlemen, if I could get a temperature reading in here cuz there this guy's going to end up uh whoever owns these are going to jail. >> Um is this lock unlocked or >> I got the dog out and unlocked it. It was locked. >> I saw it he was fine. It was not high yet. >> And then a couple hours later I came out and told Kim the manager. I said dogs in there and everything else. >> Okay. No, I haven't seen anybody around. So, all right. >> With the cat too shy to come out, officers waited for the owner. But as time passed, the neglect became clear. Ready to make an arrest, they first had to track down the mystery pet owner, only for things to get even more complicated before delivering a fitting dose of their own medicine car. I don't know how long you guys were gone for. I just have a time lapse from what the people have said. You guys invoked your rights, so don't speak to me. But I just want to let you both know what I saw in that car with that cat and dog broke my heart. It was absolutely disgusting. >> That's why we come all the way 16 hours to get them and bring them back to our house. The guy that we're living with was supposed to be letting them stay with him and he threw them out. >> Are they going to jail? >> They are. You guys will have a bond. All right? So, you're not stuck there. I have never seen a cat camp like crazy before. Right. You guys want the address to where they're going? >> Yes. >> Can you write it down, please? Absolutely. >> You need bond will be >> bond for each of them will be it'll be $1,000 each. >> Oh, >> but you can call a bondsman or I'm pretty I don't I don't work at the jail so I don't know but I'm pretty sure you just have to pay 10% if you pay yourself. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Sorry. >> Have either of you ever been arrested before? >> No, sir. >> No. All right. Oh, well, I'm sorry this has to happen, but I have a job I have to do. >> All right. It's a misdemeanor. >> All good. We got >> If the if the animals would have would have it would have been felony. So, um, he has some information for you. Both both the you both have seemed cooperative. You both seem like, you know, you just made a mistake. So, I'm not slapping you in handcuffs right away. I'm going to let him talk to you. Um, cuz the dogs are at the Humane Society. Um he's going to have information about when you can collect them. Um cuz right now they are part of the investigation. So they are seized at this this moment. They're safe. We have a nice shelter. >> Did the dogies get walked? >> Huh? >> And I'm pretty sure they walked the dog, babe. >> Yep. All right. Now the dogs are going to So you guys are familiar with this area? >> No. No. >> Cuz they were taken to the Ver Beach Humane Society. Um >> we've heard of it, but we've never met. >> Yeah. They will have the dogs. Um I would contact them. So, it does not take much for animals to overheat, especially in this heat. It It does not take much at all, you know. Um, but that's where the the dogs will be at Vera Beach Humane Society. So, just contact them when you bond out. They will give you all the information of what needs to be done. Um, as far as what you're asking about the animals being evidence, I'm not quite sure, you know. I don't know if the judge is going to say >> it's all up to the judge. Yeah, >> I know. They might. I'm not sure that both dogs got to be >> They both claimed ownership of both animals. But it does not take long for a car with the windows cracked in the heat to get hot. >> Did you tell them the temperature readings? >> 109° where the cat was at in the back, the ceiling, the front full was 105. So it was hot. It was hot. you know, and no telling. That's when the overcast was here. There was no telling. How long were you guys gone for? >> About 2 hours, 2 hours max. >> So, it was probably even hotter before that before this rain and overcast came in. So, it could have been over 110. Don't don't know. >> Got it. Uh, the guy had their stuff for storage. Told us we'd be there at 2:00 and when we got there, he was an hour. So, wait. >> How do you not have a room? >> You don't have a room on you. So before we go, um do you guys have cell phones on you? >> I just got one cell phone. >> Okay. But you don't have one? >> No. >> So they they can keep the cell phone. That way they can they can reach you if anything. But anything else that you guys have on you, just hand it over to her because they'll probably just throw it out there. I'm going to write my name, case number. Yes, sir. And I'll write the number to the main sighting on this card for you. Right. >> 405541st Avenue. >> Well, he's going to need it. Right. What do you um >> like IDs? >> Just IDs. >> Or you going to keep >> I have your IDs. But if you want to take your wallet, you can. It's up to you. >> Okay. Can I get mine back? My wallet. Yes, sir. >> Both of them were charged with infraction and misdemeanor. The judge who presided over their case ordered them to make a $500 donation to the Indian River County Humane Society. Next, we look at the intense case of a dog abandoned in a burning vehicle. OH MY GOD. >> Where's it at? Come on, buddy. I kicked you. Come on. Come on. >> On January the 22nd, 2022, police officers were alerted to a crazy incident of a burning car. But the insane twist was that a dog was trapped inside. When the officers arrived at the scene, this happened next. >> There's a dog in the car. >> Dog in the car. What are you doing in the car? >> Oh my god. >> Where's it at? Climb in the back. Right here. >> Right here. >> Yeah. Come on, man. Hank, is it unlocked? We have to go lock. It's right here. Come on, Hank. Come on. Come on, buddy. I kicked you. Come on. Come on. Oh god. Oh my god. Oh god. In the end, a veterinarian in the area checked the dog and ensured he was fine. This couple took neglect to a whole new level, leaving several dogs trapped in the back of a U-Haul for hours with no air, no water, and nowhere to escape the heat. >> When was the last time they had water? >> Earlier this morning, around 5ish. If you're really thirsty, you're in the back of a um a U-Haul that doesn't have any type of air vents, any type of any sort of oxygen, how would you feel? Like you're you're going to start panicking. >> On July the 28th, 2021, police responded to the scene of an animal problem where multiple animals, including dogs and cats, were packed in cages in the back of a U-Haul. It all began with a concerned individual calling the cops, and things escalated after that. >> A whole bunch of dogs. I we told him, "Take the dog. I'm I'm I'm a retired PD. >> Okay. Um do you >> I don't know these people. They just pulled up and the dogs were passing out. There was like fluid coming out of the back of the dogs, you know. >> The flu was coming out of the dogs from the rear end. >> Yeah, because they they're like dehydrated. They put the puppies in there. >> Was the actual um door open or closed? >> No, it was closed when they pulled up. >> Yeah. How did you see? How did you see the >> I parked right there and uh they opened the back and I heard the dogs yelling and screaming. They was panicking. and the dogs are panicking, shaking and everything. So, um um I told them just try to get the dogs out. Move the truck up into the shade. Okay. >> Bunch of people here like you know just concerned. It It was horrible. You see the dogs can't transport the dogs? >> Yeah. Give me just a second. Okay. >> No, ma'am. I know you're here for us. >> So, what's going on? >> Uh we're >> Let's come over here. We're going to go over here cuz I want to look at the dogs. You got ID on you? >> Uh someone's in the truck. We're We're moving. Like legit moving. We lost her dad somewhere, so we stopped. >> What is that whiny? It's our puppies. We're getting everything out to put in the car so they can have AC. We We had them all at a rest stop. See, I got an AC unit right here. We just left the rest stop maybe like 10 minutes ago when we got here. >> Where's that puppy? Which puppy is it? >> As the officer spoke with the suspect, things suddenly became weird when he began to act clueless. And that was when things took a different direction. >> Got to get him some water. I don't have >> I can't get a hold of her dad. She's got to hold my dogs. >> All right. just for a second. Let's get the dogs water. Where's the water? >> I don't know. My her father's leaving somewhere. >> Hang tight. Let's get the water. Actually, grab them dogs out cuz >> I'm trying, man. I'm just freaking out right now. >> Grab that puppy. Grab those. Grab it. They're dying. Do you understand this? >> I know this. >> Do you understand that? >> I'm trying to get them to >> Give me those dogs now. Give me the dogs. >> Give me the dogs. Give me the other one now. Give me that one. Yeah. Give me that one. Let's get them some water. >> They're all sweat. You should not be having them in the um car. >> I know, man. >> Bring them over here to me, please. >> Your car? >> Yes. >> No, I'm going to put them in my front car. >> Thank you. Sorry. >> It wasn't supposed to take this long. We had medicine that all night. >> All right, sweetie. It's freaking getting you. >> You want me to open the door? >> No, I got it. >> Taylor, hey, we're I need you got water. >> Water. >> Hey, come here. Come come come right here for me. But it's all in her wallet. You got it. All right. >> Put all these dogs in the I mean they're I need you to grab um a water bowl. Grab a water bowl out of your pin. >> Yes, ma'am. >> They're They're highly dehydrated. They're They're literally on to the >> bird there. One of the guys are cold. >> Okay. >> Oh my god. This is I've never seen this before. >> Check on the other dogs really fast, too. >> More puppies in there. >> Yeah. Yeah, this one is >> When was the last time they had water? >> Uh, not too long ago. We also put ice in here for them because they're huskys. >> Okay. >> We didn't think it'd be this bad on them trying to move. >> Hi, puppies. >> Hey, kitties. >> Those are all my cats. There's four of them. Thank you. As they helped to get the dogs rehydrated, it became clearer how bad their condition was. This only made things worse for their owners. >> Maybe you want to have that dog lay down cuz he's about to pass out. I don't know too soon. Maybe water. >> Put water over him. >> Yeah, just pour some water on him. Right next to you. Shake it. That dog going to pass out if you don't give it up. You're a little disoriented. Just have him sit up. Sit, boy. Sit. >> Come here, mommy. >> Come here, baby. >> Come here, baby. Get that one leash and get them cooled off. All the dogs, get some water on them. >> Come on, baby. You're okay. Come here. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Here. You guys need anything else from me? I'm right down the road. >> Okay. I appreciate it. Thank you. >> All right. If you need more water, I'll go get more water right now. >> While you're doing that, I'm going to take them away and start questioning. Okay. >> After getting the dogs hydrated, it was time to determine what had happened and who should be held accountable for this cruel act. This is where the story gets interesting. >> Can y'all follow me, please? You can go first. We're going to go over here. >> All right. You're Jason. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Where where are y'all coming from? >> Uh Fville, Tennessee. >> Tennessee. Flintville, Tennessee. Okay. From your address? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. And was the is the U-Haul from Tennessee, too? Okay. How long have y'all been driving? >> Uh, well, we started last night at 9. 9 or 10. >> 9 or 10. Okay. So, today is Wednesday. So, Tuesday around 9 or 10? >> Okay. Y'all were in Tennessee? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Were the dogs in the U-Haul truck at that time? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. How long were they in the U-Haul truck? >> Majority of the way. >> Majority of the way. It was in her dad's car, but then we uh we stopped so that way he could uh he could go get us lunch, but then we never met back up with him, so we loaded everything in the back of the truck. >> Okay. Were you with him in Tennessee? Okay. How do y'all know each other? >> Oh, we've been together for about a year. We decided we're getting married and then we're moving down here to start our family. >> Okay. Okay. Where where are y'all currently living at? >> We just bought a house. >> Yeah, we just bought a house down here. That's why we're moving here. >> We were only about an hour away from the house. >> Yeah. when we stopped to get the dog on the >> dog. Did y'all Did y'all ever stop along the way to check on them? >> Yes, ma'am. We stopped at four different rest stops and each time we stopped, I did have that AC unit plugged up into uh the hub. >> It It's supposed to be going through the >> in the U. We stopped for about an hour each time so that way they could get AC or get some refreshment. We took them out, walk them, and then let them go to the bathroom and whatnot. >> Okay. When was the last time they had water? uh earlier this morning around 5ish >> around 5 >> 5ish that's why we were stopping to try and find some water and I get back uh recuperate and then we heard all the puppies hauling so that's why we stopped right there >> I went there to go see if Harbor Freight had any water but they didn't have any water and I ran back out and then that's when I met this gentleman >> whenever you opened up the U-Haul what what what were the puppies condition at that time or all the animals at that time >> I I didn't go in the back I just opened it up and I turned on I made sure the fan was going and they still had ice inside their cooler to blow air. >> Okay. Well, what did they what did they look like? >> I didn't check and then I started to check on them and then while ran they go see about water and everything. >> Okay. >> From the interrogation, it was clear that the dogs had been in that condition for about 8 hours. But that was not all. It gets even more twisted. >> Another party as well. >> Yeah, but we don't know where he's at anymore. >> Okay. Was there any animals in that vehicle? >> No, we picked up everything and put them in the back of here >> from the other party. You don't know where they're at. You have their information. >> We can't get a hold of him anymore. >> Who is it? Who is it that you're traveling with? >> Your father. You just can't get a hold of them. >> Do you guys own all these animals? >> Georgia. >> Y'all do own all the animals. That's That's what you said. >> Yeah, but the puppies we're getting rid of. We We didn't plan on keeping them down here. >> They weren't even supposed to have. We were visiting here and the family was watching the dog and it happened and so we were trying to take care of them waiting till they were old enough until I can't take care of this yet. >> I got I mean considering that we're on the side we're in the parking lot and now they're dehydrated and we're trying to cool them down. >> Smith ask them if they have um cuz they have another party that was following them. asked them if they had animals as well. Okay. What What time did y'all actually leave Tennessee? >> 9 or 10. >> About 9 or 10:00 yesterday evening. Okay. And then about 5:00 is when you realize that the dogs and the cats didn't have any any sort of um water, right? Okay. Do y'all have money? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So, at that point, why didn't you go and purchase water for them? >> We thought we'd be meeting up with her dad, but we still never got a hold of him. That's why we stopped here to see if we can get everything. >> Okay. But you also told me as well that you stopped at 7:00 this morning. >> Yeah. At a rest stop. >> Okay. They have water there. They have free water. So from 5:00 to 7:00, you knew that the dogs didn't have any water. From 7:00 to basically I would roughly say about 20 minutes ago, you still also realized that they didn't have water. So 7 hours of without any type of liquid. dog. >> Where's the food and all that? Do you have any food for them? >> Well, we just gave them the last of We've been having wet food for them. >> Okay. When was the Where's the last When did you give them the last bit of 5:00? >> So, you g make sure that they had food, but no water. You know, water is more insult than food. >> That they can survive a little bit longer without food than water. I I can't tell you exactly how hot it is currently, but just by me standing here, I'm sweating. I don't have fur, so I know that they are they're very very hot. Okay, so they can't sweat. So that's by them panting. That's them being um hot. So they're trying to cool off by that point. Okay. >> At this point, the officers went ahead to get their verbal statements after reading their Miranda rights. And they had no reasonable defense for their actions. >> Fill me in on everything that happened. >> Which part? Like the whole story? All right. We left uh Tennessee at 9 9 10 somewhere's in between there. We gave him uh we got we had medicine that's supposed to knock him out for 12 hours so that way we can make the whole trip at night. But uh we stopped to rest twice uh last night about an hour. So that that ended up killing the time on it. And then uh we lost your dad so we didn't wasn't able to get any of the stuff. But we stopped at 5:00 and 7:00 found out they didn't have water. We gave him food at 5:00 and then we drove >> 5:00 a.m. >> Yes. >> Okay. and we drove a little bit further and then I can't remember where we stopped at another rest stop and I didn't even think about getting the uh using the water bucket but I got a couple bottle of water things but it wasn't much but uh and then we stopped here a little while ago when everybody uh see if we could get water from our freight and then a dolly so we could unload the trailer and that's when uh I met that gentleman that gentleman said uh he's called they've called the police that I needed to stay here. >> Okay. Um, how long have they been in the Have like how long have you guys been traveling with the dogs in the back and the cats? >> Since 9 and 10. >> Last night. >> Last night. >> Okay. And where's your where you guys headed to? Where's your final destination? >> Uh, Mims, Florida is where we're going as the final destination. >> Okay. Um, is there any type of AC back there for them or any type of >> Um, well, I had a bucket with a a fan that had a pool of ice in it to help get them by last night, but I didn't, like I said, I did not plan on driving this this late in the day. But, uh, every time we stopped at a rest stop, I do have a portable air unit that I ran a cord to from the building so that way they could have air in the back of the building. >> How long did you do that for at a time? >> About an hour the whole time we were stopped. >> Okay. How often are you making stops? Uh, well, we haven't stopped to much today because other than the 5 and the 7:00 because I planned on trying to get to the house that way we could let them all out and then do the normal business. But >> So, you stopped at 5 a.m. and then 7:00 a.m. >> Okay. And it's now 11:44. What made you pull over here today? >> Uh, I real I remember that they've been out that long. I'm sorry. I realized that they were without water that long, so we needed to get water. >> Okay. When you pulled over, what did you notice when you opened the back or before you opened the back? >> They were uh the puppies were screeching. So, I had her come out, check on the puppies while I ran to go see about uh everything in the store. >> Okay. And what did the dogs and cats look like to you? >> I I didn't I just opened the gate and told her to come around and check on it. That's that's >> You just opened it and left. >> While interrogating the female suspect, she gave a piece of very significant information to the officer. At this point, the officer had enough information to take the next step. >> Okay. But other than that, I didn't really see the end at >> So, did they have water at seven? >> I gave them some. I didn't have a whole lot, but I tried to give them some. >> Okay. Did they all get some? At least >> almost. I think they were able to get the white one right here. >> Uh-huh. >> And the German ship. Okay. So, not all of them had water at 7. And what was their condition at 7:00 when you guys stopped? They were panting a little bit. >> A little bit. Okay. And is there any type of air conditioning in the back of that vehicle? >> Not very when we stop, we have the uh the unit I think it is close it when we're driving. We have it. >> Okay. We have a little fan, but it's not really a whole lot. >> Okay. Do you understand the issue with how hot it is outside? And it'd be like keeping like you sitting back there for an extended amount of time with little to no water, right? Some of them didn't get water and then with no AC. Right. Okay. Now, when you guys stopped, what did you do? When you stopped here today, what did you do? >> We I got out of the truck. I turned to open it to jump on them. Okay. I realized we were all panting. The puppies were having kids and I knew that I had I didn't know what to do. I knew I had to do get the water. The puppies were even stressed out and crying. But I don't I had just woke up. I would I'm not even where I was at. You're not even where we're at. You're Flagger County. So you're just south of St. John's County, just north of Daytona Beach. Um Okay. All right. You know what you're getting charged with, right? >> Animal cruelty. >> Lock them so they don't tighten down on your >> wrist. All right. Sorry. Go ahead. Put your butt in first. Do you have >> praying? In the end, they were both arrested and charged with animal cruelty. Next, we uncover the shocking case of a woman who locked up 19 dogs in her apartment, completely unattended and in unbearable condition. >> You got family coming to look after your dog? No, they need to be seized. >> Free dog muri all over the floor. On the 1st of July 2023, police officers went to a woman's home to check on her after she called 911 during an emotional breakdown with no idea that a simple welfare check would end up in a shocking discovery. >> 911, what's the address of your emergency? What's going on? >> I'm Neither gets to host. Let me get this done for them and we'll get it started. And And how old are you? >> I'm 50. >> Okay. And are you feeling violent at all? >> All right. And do you have access to any weapons? >> No. >> Okay. >> Oh, I'm unprepared to go to hospital. >> Okay, that's good. We're going to get them headed that way. They just have these questions I have to ask, but you're all good. Okay. Have you done anything to injure yourself? No. >> Okay. And do you have a history of mental health conditions? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yes. For many, many, many years. >> When the officers arrived at her residence, they met the caller named Sarah in tears. As the officers engaged her in conversation, they perceived a foul smell emitting from her body, making them suspect that there was more to her emotional breakdown. You got family coming to look after your dog? >> No. They need to be seized. >> They need to be seized? >> Yes. They're not being taken care of. >> Dogs do you have? >> 19. >> 19? >> Yes, sir. And I got a guy coming down from Wyoming. Three of them are his and he's coming to get them. >> Um, so I told him go by the sheriff's office, figure out where they were. >> Can I have your permission to go inside your home and see what you got going? >> Okay. >> Really bad, man. You're not going to breathe in there. There's turrets and trash and it's awful. It's awful. It's just >> humans don't live like that. That's all I say. I've done it and I'm not stupid. >> The cops went over to the house, but they had no idea that they were about to witness something that would leave them scarred for life. >> Hey, cops. >> I think that's good enough. You need a bask. Oh my god. >> Because the pups were terrified to step out, the officers were forced to go in and bring them out themselves. However, before entering the house, they made sure to properly shield themselves with nose masks. The masks came in handy as the apartment was completely covered in dirt and feces. >> It's okay. It's okay. Huh? No. outside. Come on. Come on. Come on, big dog. Come on. Come on, buddy. >> Officers were puzzled as to why a person would choose to live in such filth. So, they went to the woman for answers. Sarah told them that she had been a dog trainer and her living condition began to deteriorate when her mental health hit rock bottom. Although her story was pitiful, the deputy informed Sarah that she had committed a serious crime and would have to face punishment. >> I'll be honest with you, I I'm going to press criminal charges upon you. Okay. From what I could observe within dogs, no dog should have to go through what dogs go through. >> Then dogs would probably be better off in the in some of them might not make it. They're in such conditions as self. >> Sarah was charged with nine counts of cruelty for which she pled guilty. She served 60 days in jail, 12 months of probation, and was made to pay a $690 fine.