L.I. Man Charged After Dog Is Found Dead In Hot Car
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Long Island man was facing animal cruelty charges Wednesday, after his dog was found dead inside a hot car.
Ian Kassof, 36, of Valley Stream, was arraigned in Nassau County Court Wednesday, prosecutors said. He pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty and was released without bail.
Prosecutors said Kassof left the mixed-breed pit bull-boxer in a hot car for hours. They said one window was open about four inches for air.
The incident happened June 4 in North Long Beach.
Preliminary findings show the dog died after a seizure caused by overheating.
"Within a moment of minutes the car can go from 80 to 110-112 degrees," Gary Rogers, with the Nassau County SPCA told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall. "Pets don't sweat. They see damage to their organs and start dying immediately in that heat."
Rogers urged anyone who sees an animal left in a car to call 911 immediately.
Kassof faces up to one year in jail if convicted. His attorney did not immediately return a telephone call for comment.
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