Harkins said he had parked on the shady side of the Shea 14 theaters near Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard at about 5:30 Saturday evening.
He intended to be gone for just a few minutes.
Harkins said he rolled down all four windows and left a bowl of water for Tenga, a 5-year-old Corgi. He also said he checked on her twice and both times she was asleep on the front seat.
While Tenga is fine, Harkins said he regrets leaving her in the car and understands why he was cited.
Harkins said he wants to draw attention to the incident by airing a series of public service announcements in his theaters. The goal is to remind moviegoers not to leave their pets -- or their children -- in cars on hot days.
The temperature inside a closed vehicle on a summer day can soar to more than 140 degree in less than 15 minutes. It takes less time than that for hyperthermia, elevated body temperature, to set in.
That's why police encourage people to call 911 if they see a person leaving a child or a pet in a car during the hot summer months.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Movie-theater owner Dan Harkins cited for leaving dog in hot car
Labels:
animal abuse,
Arizona,
AZ,
central Phoenix,
dogs,
harkins,
hot cars
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
All the windows were down and it wasn't in the sun. The dog had fresh water and he checked on the dog constantly. Its shameful that people are smearing the name of a great animal lover and supporter. Life goes on here in Arizona, even in the summer. I'm more surprised someone didn't steal the dog or the car. Sounds like a misunderstanding and someone just wanted to get attention by smearing the Harkins family name. We support Harkins & they support animals and the community. Stay strong! People know you love animals.
ReplyDeleteVery true. I think that when summer starts the news has to grab onto any heat related story as soon as they can, no matter who they might be hurting.
ReplyDelete