A tragic incident in Oakland Park has led to animal cruelty charges against a 63-year-old homeless woman whose three dogs perished after being left inside a closed tent during extreme heat conditions on Wednesday.
Dogs Left in Tent During Dangerous Temperatures
According to the arrest report from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Patricia Lee had been living with her three canine companions in a tent equipped only with a small fan in the backyard of a residence. Deputies arrested Lee on Wednesday night near Northwest 21st Avenue and 28th Street after the animals were found dead.
The arrest report reveals that Lee left the three dogs inside the enclosed tent for several hours while outdoor temperatures soared to approximately 92 degrees Fahrenheit. Neighbors reported hearing the woman screaming in anguish when she returned and discovered her pets had succumbed to the heat.
Neighbors Saw Warning Signs
Anthony Thomas, a neighbor who witnessed the aftermath, shared his concerns about the situation. “She loved the dogs, but the way she took care of them, I knew this was gonna happen,” Thomas told reporters on Thursday. He described seeing Lee attempt to revive the animals by pouring water on them near the side of the house.
Lee was processed at the Broward County Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night and appeared before a judge for her bond hearing on Thursday morning. She faces four separate charges including three counts of causing cruel death, excessive pain, or unnecessary suffering to an animal, along with one count of confining animals without providing sufficient food and water. Her bond has been set at $11,500.
