Driver didn't know to crack window

Pets suffered, but officer says cruelty was not intentional, By Beth Kalet Franklin — A pet dog was euthanized after suffering brain damage because it was left in a locked car on a stifling hot Saturday recently. The case has brought to light the need “to educate the public on the dangers of leaving an animal in a parked vehicle,” said John Abate, animal control officer. The incident occurred outside the Franklin ShopRite on Aug. 8. ShopRite personnel were notified by several passersby that an animal was unattended in a car, with windows not open properly, Abate said. The vehicle had a sunroof, as well, and the car was not parked in a shady spot, according to Abate, who serves as animal control officer for Franklin and other neighboring towns. Abate stressed that the car’s owner had not done so out of malice. “Was this an intentional act? Absolutely not. It was not a case of abuse. It was a case of an accidental cruelty.” Nevertheless, two summons for cruelty were issued to the driver, Abate said. The matter was turned over to the New Jersey SPCA, he said. That driver was not the owner of the dogs, but a friend who was caring for them, Abate said. Later, it was the owner who chose to euthanize the dog, Abate said. While photos and e-mails about the incident have been circulating over the Internet since that weekend, there has been some misinformation. Abate stressed that no dogs died on the scene. Franklin Police were called to the scene, along with area first aid and Abate. A ShopRite security officer had announced the car’s license plate over the store’s public address system and the owner came out to open the car. Two dogs were inside panting heavily, according to a report. Authorities pulled one dog from the car, a Rottweiler-German Shepherd mix, and a member of the Harydston First Aid Squad helped give it first aid. Abate later took that dog to the Highlands Veterinary Clinic in Sparta, where despite his body temperature having returned to normal, the owner chose to have him euthanized. Abate said the dog had essentially suffered a stroke and brain damage and had no control of his muscles, as a result. Another dog was on the passenger side and also given first aid.