Women accused of leaving dogs in car charged with animal cruelty

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (WLNE) — Two women who were accused of leaving two dogs in a hot car were arraigned Wednesday.

59-year-old Lisa Smith and 33-year-old Rachel Smith were charged with animal cruelty and confinement of an animal in a motor vehicle causing exposure to extreme heat or cold.

Officers responded to 911 calls reporting that two women were crying outside an apartment building on Heather Lane on July 16.

Police said that two medium-sized dogs, who were determined to be dead, were lying on the ground.

The department said it was determined that the dogs were allegedly left in a car for more than 90 minutes without the windows open and no air conditioning.

The dogs also were living in allegedly unsanitary conditions.

Both women pled not guilty and were released on personal recognizance on the condition they underwent mental health evaluations, did not own or possess any animals, and had no unsupervised contact with any animals.