Woman Charged after Dog Left in Hot Car Dies

police officers received a report from a dog owner, Suzy Rivers, who called police to report her dog was inside her car, parked at the Southington Library, and it was not moving. Upon the officer’s arrival it was determined that Rivers’ 1½-yearold Boston terrier was deceased. Rivers’ vehicle was found to be parked in full sunlight with an outside temperature of 81 degrees. The police investigation determined at approximately 12 p.m. Rivers, 37, of 64 Rita Ave., Cheshire, arrived at the library. At approximately 3 p.m. Rivers had a conversation with a library employee before being observed outside the library with another library employee. Employees inside saw the library employee inside Rivers’ vehicle and became suspicious. Upon going to check on the situation, it was discovered Rivers’ dog was moved outside the vehicle and deceased. Witnesses reported Rivers’ driver’s side rear window was open approximately 6 inches during the time parked. After removing the dog from the vehicle, first aid was attempted; however, it proved unsuccessful. Southington Police Department Animal Control officers arrived and determined the interior of the vehicle recorded temperatures between 99 and 105 degrees, further noting this breed of dog commonly experiences breathing problems and are susceptible to stress and excessive heat. Surveillance video from the library showed Rivers entering the library at 11:57 a.m. and leaving the library at approximately 3 p.m. The time stamp from the video confirmed Rivers was inside the library with her dog in her vehicle for a little over
three hours. On July 26, 2022, Rivers turned herself in to the Southington Police Department. She was charged with cruelty to animals and released on a $15,000 non-surety bond