Deaths Of 2 Dogs In Hot Car Leads To Charges In Loudoun County

STERLING, VA — A Sterling man has been charged with animal cruelty after the death of two dogs in a hot car, according to Loudoun County Animal Services.

Manuel Ovando, 34, faces two counts of felony animal cruelty tied to the death of mixed-breed dogs Charlito and Bella. According to Loudoun County Animal Services, the 3-year-old and 5-year-old dogs were left in an unattended vehicle for an extended time when temperatures were above 80 degrees outside.

Loudoun County Animal Services officers had responded to a call from a concerned resident. Despite live-saving attempts on the dog, veterinary staff determined the dogs had died. The official cause of death for the dogs is hyperthermia, which is when the body temperature becomes too high.

"This case is a devastating reminder of the consequences of leaving pets in a car on a warm, sunny afternoon," said Loudoun County Animal Services director Nina Stively. "A car’s internal temperature can easily climb 30 degrees in minutes on a hot day, even with the windows cracked, which is one reason why animals should never be left unattended in a vehicle in these conditions—the risk is never going to be worth the ride in the car."

Ovando is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center and has a Sept. 10 preliminary hearing. A class 6 felony charge could result in up to five years in prison and fine up to $2,500. A person convicted of the charge may also be prohibited from owning companion animals.

Anyone who witnessed pets being left in unattended vehicles during warm weather can call Loudoun County Animal Services at 703-777-0406.