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Dog Left in Scorching Pickup for 10 Hours, Owner Charged with Animal Cruelty
A disturbing case of animal cruelty has emerged in Cobb County, Georgia, where a dog was found confined in a metal crate inside a pickup truck for nearly 10 hours during extreme heat. The incident led to first-degree burns on the dog’s paws and severe signs of heat exhaustion, according to police reports.
Cobb County officers, while patrolling the area, discovered the dog lying in the truck bed, visibly unable to stand. The crate’s metal frame had absorbed and trapped intense heat, pushing internal temperatures to a staggering 120 degrees Fahrenheit—far beyond the already oppressive 90-degree outdoor air. The dog was suffering from clear signs of distress, unable to regulate its body temperature or move due to its injuries.
Steve Hammond, Director of Cobb County Animal Services, emphasized the dangers pets face in hot environments. “Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do. Without shade and water, heat builds rapidly in confined spaces. It becomes deadly very quickly,” he explained. Hammond confirmed that the dog was on the brink of heatstroke and may not have survived much longer without intervention.
The dog’s owner, Ebony Newell, has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty. Authorities say she left the dog inside the truck while staying at a nearby extended stay property. This troubling trend, officials note, is becoming more common. “We’re seeing more people living in extended stays who leave pets in their vehicles, unable to bring them indoors,” Hammond said.

To address these emergencies more effectively, Cobb County Animal Services has started equipping officers with infrared temperature guns. These tools provide instant readings of surface and internal temperatures in vehicles and crates, allowing quicker assessments and response in high-risk situations.
Officials are now urging pet owners to remember how dangerous heat can be for animals. Unlike humans, dogs and cats can’t sweat efficiently, and metal enclosures or enclosed cars can become ovens in a matter of minutes. Pets must always have access to cool, shaded areas with fresh air and water.

The overarching warning is clear: if the heat feels unbearable to you, it’s just as harmful—or worse—for your pet. Leaving an animal in a hot vehicle can lead to severe harm, criminal charges, and, in many cases, tragic outcomes.