Manor woman arrested for leaving 9 dogs outside in Texas heat without food or water

MANOR, Texas – Manor Police are investigating a serious case of animal cruelty after officers found nine dogs in cages in the Texas heat. One dog has died.

Now the remaining eight dogs are bathing in the air conditioning at the Giddings Animal Shelter.

“It was sad,” said Manor Police Chief Ryan Phipps. “It was a sad situation.”

Manor police found the dogs in cages in a backyard in temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius and a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius. Police said they had no food or water and two of them were wearing sweaters.

RELATED: 1 dog dead, 8 more found in outdoor cages without food or water in Manor: Police

A neighbor told police they had been wearing these sweaters since winter.

“Our officers are animal lovers, and when you're dealing with this, you see animals in distress,” Phipps said. “It's a sad situation.”

A ninth dog died in a nearby veterinary clinic.

Police arrested the dogs' owner, Eyeisha Young, for leaving all nine outside.

“The situation is serious, but we have addressed the situation and tried to frame it in a way that allows us to educate the public,” Phipps said.

Manor Police are asking pet owners to keep their dogs indoors this summer, especially during the heatwave.

It is also a good idea to never leave them outside without shelter, food or water.

“This is not something to be taken lightly,” Phipps said. “You are their parent, you are their caregiver and they depend on your care. So we're asking the public to make sure that when you take on the responsibility of a pet, you do it right. To keep our little fur babies safe.”

Visits for heat-related illnesses are not uncommon at Crystal Falls Emergency Animal Hospital in Leander.

“Many of these cases are preventable,” said Chelsea Pearce, medical director of Crystal Falls Emergency Animal Hospital. “As of August 21, we have seen 71 cases related to heat stroke and heat exhaustion.”

Pearce said heat exhaustion in dogs is characterized by excessive panting, red gums, restlessness and weak limbs.

Most of the time the heat index is the most dangerous.

“Only if you want to go for a walk early in the morning or late at night. But if it's still quite warm and the humidity is high, remember that the heat index will still be elevated,” Pearce said.

If you see a dog outside in the heat that needs attention, you should call the Department of Animal Control or the nearest police station, according to Manor Police.

Dog owners who suspect that their pet may be suffering from heat exhaustion should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Manor Police will apply to the courts to seize the dogs. If the application is approved, the dogs can be put up for adoption.

Under Texas law, Young is allowed to protest and demand the return of the dogs, but the final decision will be made by a judge.