Posted on: August 16, 2024, 07:45h.
Last updated on: August 16, 2024, 10:18h.
A man was arrested on the Las Vegas Strip this week after he allegedly pinned a puppy on a hot sidewalk to force the helpless animal to relieve itself.
On Monday, an unnamed dog trainer spotted a man later identified as Tommy Chen of California putting the dog in danger on a 99-degree sidewalk.
Chen disregarded the good Samaritan’s warnings to stop the dangerous behavior. So, the man alerted Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers who were on routine patrol in the area.
He relayed to cops that Chen was “forcefully holding a small dog to the ground,” according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS. When officers went to investigate they found that Chen had his right hand and backpack on the dog’s back, KLAS reported.
Puppy Yelping
The puppy was on its side and was pinned to the sidewalk. The dog was in discomfort and was yelping.
Officers ordered Chen to “let the puppy go” and he allegedly resisted, leading to his arrest. When searching the backpack, police found a semi-automatic pneumatic weapon that fires .68 caliber pepper pellets, authorities said.
Chen told police he wanted the dog to relieve itself so he could go back to a nearby casino.
Chen was arrested on several charges, including carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, resisting public officers, and depriving an animal of sustenance/shelter/medical care. He was booked and posted bond on Tuesday. His case was turned over to local prosecutors and he was to appear in court on Thursday.
There’s been no word on whether the dog was taken to an animal shelter nor is it known if the puppy suffered any serious injuries.
Protect Pets From Heat
This summer has seen record temperatures in Las Vegas, putting both people and animals at risk of heat sickness. The record-breaking Las Vegas heat contributed to the loss of 63 human lives as of July 30, according to the Clark County coroner’s office.
Dogs can suffer heat exhaustion when the animal’s temperature reaches over 103. Heat stroke occurs when dog temperatures reach 104 or higher. There is special concern about dogs being left in cars.
According to PetMD, the symptoms of heat exhaustion in dogs include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- excessive panting
- thickened saliva/drooling
- dizziness/wobbling
- irregular or rapid heart rate
- tremors/seizures
- little or no urination
- unconsciousness
- bloodshot eyes
Signs of heatstroke include:
- difficulty breathing
- discolored/red gums
- lethargy
- muscle tremors
- collapse
- loss of consciousness
- lack of coordination
