As temperatures begin to rise this summer, a recent criminal court filing is a stark reminder that the Arizona sun can, and will, kill. 

Homestead resident Patsy Scott, 80, allegedly killed her dog last summer after leaving it in an uncovered metal crate on the side of her Thornberry Lane home. 

While temperatures were 110 degrees Aug. 8, Maricopa Animal Control Officer Luke Ziccardi and Maricopa Police Officer William Wetherell responded to the home after a neighbor reported the distressed dog. 

When they arrived, the officers found Bebe, a small white dog in a bottomless crate “panting profusely, barking, crying and staggering,” according to the police report released to InMaricopa yesterday. Police estimated the concrete floor was 150 degrees.  

Knocks on the front door went unanswered, so the officers climbed over the backyard gate and “witnessed the dog collapse it its crate.” 

When Ziccardi picked up the limp dog and put it in his truck, unsure if it was alive, Scott arrived and told officers she was punishing the dog for going to the bathroom in her house

The dog was pronounced dead at a local veterinary hospital and its body temperature was so high the thermometer couldn’t give staff an accurate temperature.  

Because there was a dependent person with a disability in the home, the officers did not arrest Scott. Instead, they filed charges against her. Those charges were confirmed May 1 in Pinal County Superior Court, making InMaricopa aware of the incident. 

Keeping pets safe in the summer 

This case is one of many reminders that the Arizona heat can kill as we fall into our summer months and begin to break 100 degrees outside. 

In June, July and August, pavement temperatures can reach up to 180 degrees. Here are a few tips from the Arizona Humane Society to keep your pets safe in the coming months: 

1. Keep your pet indoors when possible 
2. Limit outdoor exercise to early morning or evening 
3. Avoid long walks, hikes and excessive play 
4. Provide pets with extra, cool water sources 
5. Consider dog booties for hot pavement 
6. Play in sprinklers or a kiddie pool 
7. Never chain your pet 

Once outside temperatures surpass 95 degrees, the risk of pavement burns increases for bare skin contact, including paws. A good rule of measurement is, if you can’t hold your barefoot on the ground for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s bare paws. 

When it comes to cars, they can get even hotter and become an oven, killing both children and pets. 

If you see a child or pet in a hot car and believe they are in imminent danger of physical injury or death, here how you can help: 

1. Call 911. 
2. Determine if the vehicle is locked. 
   1. • If unlocked, open a door to enter the vehicle. 
      • If locked, you may break the window. Do not use more force than is necessary. 
3. Remain with the child or pet until the authorities arrive.