BOYNTON BEACH, FL -- A Loxahatchee woman is facing felony animal cruelty charges after police say she left her dog in her car for hours while she shopped at the Boynton Beach Mall.
Police received a call from a good Samaritan who saw a small brown dog inside a black 2009 Mazda which was hot to the touch with all windows rolled up.
Police responded and broke open one of the windows to get to dog. Investigators noticed a strong burst of heat coming from the window and the dog in obvious distress.
The dog was transported to the Pet PB Emergency Animal Hospital where it had to be hooked up to an oxygen tank so it could breathe.
After another hour, Michelle Gonzalez returned to her car. At first, she denied ever having a dog. Investigators said that Gonzalez appeared to have no remorse or concern for the dog.
Michelle Gonzalez was taken into custody Sunday. She was released this morning on a $3,000 bond. The dog was released from the hospital and taken to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.
