Pennsylvania Man Arrested at Disney Springs After Leaving Dog in 120-Degree Car
A Philadelphia man was arrested at Disney Springs on July 1 after leaving his pet Chihuahua in a car that had reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to the police reports, a family tried to enter Disney Springs with their pet dog but was refused entry by Disney security officers.
The man of the family then took the dog back to the car but returned shortly after.
Disney Security Jumped Into Action
Disney security, concerned about the animal’s well-being, quickly drove around the Disney Springs Watermelon Parking Lot, searching for the dog. Orange County police were eventually called onto the scene.
Photo: Disney
According to the report affidavit, officers found the Chihuahua in a blue 2024 Nissan Versa with Pennsylvania plates. They were able to unlock the vehicle (as the windows had been left rolled down) and remove the dog. At the time, the temperature in the vehicle was 102 degrees.
After animal services were notified and reported to the scene, they recorded the temperature at 120 degrees.
Benitez-Autrey Is Charged With Animal Cruelty
Approximately an hour and a half later, the family returned to their vehicle, where the boyfriend was identified as Raul Benitez-Autrey. When the couple’s young daughter began to cry for her dog, Benitez-Autrey walked away from the arresting officer and towards the animal control vehicle to try to get the dog back.
Photo: Orange County Clerk
After ignoring the officer’s commands to stop and come back, Raul was arrested. Eventually, he was charged with animal cruelty for leaving the dog in extreme temperatures for over 2 hours. According to the affidavit, “there was a high probability that the dog could have been seriously harmed with prolonged exposure to the extreme temperatures.”
Photo: 19 News
Benitez-Autrey was then transported and booked without incident.
NOTE: It is important to recognize that Benitez-Autrey is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. At this time, it is unclear if/when a trial will take place.
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