Owners could face felony charges after dog left on balcony dies

A 16-month-old English bulldog was found dead on the balcony of a Bellevue apartment complex Monday. Nebraska Humane Society officials say its owners may face felony charges.

Animal Control Officers were dispatched to a apartment complex near Harvell Drive and Galvin Road Monday regarding a dog in distress on a balcony of an apartment.

Officers found a deceased English bulldog on the balcony. They said nobody was home at the time the dog was found.

Witnesses told officers the dog may have been on the deck in direct sunlight for up to 3 hours. There was a bowl of food and water on the deck, according to reports.

NHS veterinarians conducted a necropsy and determined the dog’s death is consistent with signs of heat stroke.

The owners were interviewed. Officials say their investigation is ongoing. They’re working to determine if misdemeanor or felony charges will be pursued. NHS is not releasing the name or address of the owners since no citations or arrests have been made at this time.

NHS officials say this is a stark reminder to take responsibility for your pets in this brutally hot weather. If they are outside they must have access to constant ventilated shade, as well as water. Even in this case, with a bowl of water available for the dog, it died due to exposure to the excessive heat.

They said the best option is bring your pets inside during this extended heat wave.

Officials say Bulldogs have more difficulty panting out hot air and cooling down in the heat, due to their snub noses.