PLEASANTON — A police investigation has determined there were no signs of animal cruelty or neglect in the heat stroke death of a dog Tuesday that had let itself out onto an apartment balcony while its owner was away but was unable to get back inside, authorities said.
The dog was found around noon Tuesday on a balcony at an apartment complex near Gibraltar Drive and Hacienda Drive. Temperatures in the area that day were in the high 90s.
A caller initially reported the dog was barking, whining and exposed to the sun. It was found deceased by animal control officers. Police still have not said if the dog was male or female, how old it was or what breed it was.
Police said after a thorough investigation, which included reviewing video surveillance, a neighborhood canvas and interviews with multiple neighbors, no signs of animal cruelty or neglect were revealed.
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Prior allegations of animal neglect reported to the apartment leasing office were unfounded, police said. Additionally, police said the department has no prior history of calls for service regarding animal welfare at the address.
Video footage recovered “indicated the dog exited the apartment between 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., and subsequent evidence confirms that the dog was unable to regain entry into the apartment unbeknownst to the owner.”
A local veterinarian confirmed that the cause of death was heat stroke, with no other signs of injury or neglect.
Police said they are requesting that “the public show respect for all parties involved, particularly the dog owner during this time of grief.”
Because of the high volume of calls and public concern regarding the dog’s death, police said, patrols have been increased in the neighborhood, but they did not provide additional details.