St. Petersburg, FL - A Florida woman has been arrested on animal cruelty charges after allegedly leaving a dog unattended in a hot car for over an hour.
Authorities say 24-year-old Melissa Major was reportedly watching the dog for its vacationing owner.
According to police, Major left the car turned off with the windows cracked only a half-inch open while attending a meeting at City Hall.
Concerned by the dog's welfare in the hot car, a witness called for help.
Officers arrived on the scene to find the outside temperature at 89 degrees, feeling closer to 95 degrees with the humidity.
The dog was reportedly panting heavily.
An officer transported the dog to a nearby animal hospital, while Major was arrested at Mirror Lake Drive and 5th Street North around 5:15 pm.
Authorities say Major admitted to leaving the dog in the car after being informed of her rights.