KENOSHA — An Illinois man has been charged with animal cruelty after leaving a dog in a hot car earlier this month.
A Kenosha County Sheriff's deputy was patrolling I-94 on August 11 when he noticed a pickup truck belonging to 34-year-old Javier Franco parked on the shoulder.
As the responding deputy approached the vehicle, he noticed a dog "curled up on the floor" inside. The truck's windows and sunroof were all closed, the complaint said.
Investigators eventually opened a door to the truck and were struck by the significant amount of hot air leaving the vehicle. Police said that the dog was connected to a leash stuck between the passenger seat and center console, leaving little slack for the dog to move.
Prosecutors have charged Franco with mistreatment of animals and obstructing an officer. A warrant has been issued for his arrest since authorities haven't spoken with Franco in person.
Charges were filed against him on Tuesday.
