Heatstroke killed police dog in car
A police dog found dead in an officer’s patrol car last month died of heatstroke, according to the results of a necropsy released Tuesday.
The findings of the necropsy on the 5-year-old Belgian Malinois named Forrest are consistent with heat exhaustion and heatstroke and revealed “no evidence of disease, gunshot wounds or blunt trauma,” said Lt. Dan DeSousa of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services.
Forrest’s caretaker, San Diego Police Officer Paul Hubka, allegedly left the dog inside his car in 108-degree heat with the windows closed for an unknown period June 20, authorities said.
The Animal Services Department has submitted the case to the district attorney’s office to decide whether criminal charges will be filed against Hubka.
“I think charges should be filed,” said DeSousa. “That’s no way to keep an animal. He should be held responsible and accountable for what he’s done.”
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