UPDATE: Suspect charged with tying dog to Attleboro barrel during heat advisory

ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WLNE) — Attleboro police have arrested a man they say tied a small dog to a trash barrel where it stayed for several hours Wednesday during 90 degree weather with “oppressive” humidity.

The unnamed suspect is charged with cruelty to animals and will be arraigned in Attleboro District Court on a later date.

Attleboro police were notified of the dog at approximately 11:15 a.m. Wednesday during a heat advisory and responded to USA Mart on Pine Street.

Arriving officers found a small brown-tan colored terrier they described as being “in obvious distress due to the high heat.”

They also described the dog as extremely tired and overheated, and was provided water.

Attleboro Animal Control was called and took custody of the dog which was treated for heat distress at the Attleboro animal shelter.

The dog was also provided food and water.

A suspect was identified by detectives using area surveillance camera footage that showed a man in black sweatpants and a black shirt with emblems on Park Street near USA Food Mart.

The man is then observed tying the dog to the trash barrel, talking to the dog and walking away.

An image of the suspect was spread through social media and he was later identified by police.