Police in Marietta say a man left two dogs locked in a hot car for hours while he went to Six Flags White Water on a very hot summer day. He is now being charged with animal abuse.
Christian Waddell arrested
On July 5, 27-year-old Christian Waddell was arrested after parkgoers told police that he had left two medium-sized dogs in a car in the parking lot. It got as hot as 140 degrees inside the car that day, according to the Marietta Police Department. The temperature outside hit 91 degrees.
A police report says that the dogs were found crowded in the back seat, which was 115 degrees. Marietta firemen arrived and were able to break into the car to save the animals. They then gave the animals to Cobb County Animal Control.
About two hours after parking, Waddell left the water park and was met by police.
Dogs saved from a hot car
“Up front, it was getting close to 140 degrees,” said Chuck McPhilamy, a police officer in Marietta. “Eighty-five to 95 is the maximum temperature inside the vehicle before we have to force entry and rescue those animals.”
“Officers addressed him right away. He was helpful, but he looked a little lost—like, why would it be a problem for the dogs? “They had no idea how dangerous the situation really was,” McPhilamy said.
Charges of animal cruelty
At the scene, Waddell was arrested and charged with hurting an animal.
Pet lovers should be aware of this story
The dogs are expected to get better, but the police hope this will serve as a lesson to other pet owners.
“You’re running the risk of immediately putting your dog’s life in jeopardy,” he said.
