Kenneth Tucker Cruelty Case

Dog Dies of Animal Cruelty, Owner Arrested

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com

Updated: Wednesday, 23 Jun 2010, 5:26 PM MDT
Published : Wednesday, 23 Jun 2010, 5:26 PM MDT

PHOENIX - A 19-year-old man has been arrested on two counts of animal cruelty and two counts of animal neglect after his dog dies of apparent heat exposure.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office responded to Kenneth Tucker's residence last week to check an animal's welfare.

When the deputy arrived, the deputy saw a large dog in the backyard inside a cage that was much too small.

The dog was panting, crying, and unable to move. There was no shade or water near the dog, and temperatures outside were more than 100 degrees.

The deputy let the dog out of the cage, where it took two last breaths and then died.

The dog's body temperature read 111.9 degrees, which is the highest the thermometer could read.

The normal body temperature for a dog is 101 to 103 degrees.

Tucker was booked into the 4th Ave Jail on Wednesday.