Cedar Rapids man faces charge after dog dies of heat exhaustion

A Cedar Rapids man was arrested and charged with animal neglect this week after a dog died as a result of heat exhaustion.

Craig Ross Jr., 42, faces a charge of animal neglect with serious injury or death following an investigation by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control, according to a news release.

According to a news release, Cedar Rapids police officers and an animal control officer responded to a residence on the 1800 block of Fourth Avenue SE on Tuesday for a report of a deceased dog. Officers found a 3-year-old mixed breed dog deceased in the backyard of the residence.

Police said the dog had been left on a four foot leash — too short for the dog to reach shade, shelter, food or water.

Evidence suggested the dog had died as a result of heat exhaustion, according to the news release. The outside temperature was 86 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index of 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

Police said upon investigation, Ross told officers he had left the dog outside for two or more hours.

Police say restraining or confining an animal outdoors for more than 15 minutes when temperatures fall below 30 degrees Fahrenheit or reaches at least 85 degrees Fahrenheit without unlimited access to food, water or shelter is prohibited by municipal code.

The police department says minimum care requirements for pet owners include adequate food, adequate water, adequate shelter and adequate protection from the elements.

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