80-Year-Old Homestead Woman Faces Charges in Gruesome Dog Death

On August 8, 2024, stark revelations emerged from a police report regarding an animal cruelty case in Maricopa, Arizona. The sweltering summer heat serves as a grave reminder of the dangers posed by extreme temperatures.

Patsy Scott, an 80-year-old resident of Homestead, faces allegations of causing the death of her dog, Bebe. The small white dog was found in an uncovered metal crate beside her home, exposed to the relentless Arizona sun.

Officers responded after a concerned neighbor reported the dog’s distress. By the time Maricopa Animal Control Officer Luke Ziccardi and Officer William Wetherell arrived, temperatures reached 110 degrees. Bebe was discovered panting, crying, and staggering, with police estimating the concrete beneath her to be a staggering 150 degrees.

Attempts to reach Scott at her front door failed, prompting officers to scale a backyard gate. There, they witnessed the dog collapsing in its crate. Officer Ziccardi, uncertain of Bebe’s condition, carried the limp dog to his truck. Moments later, Scott arrived, claiming she was punishing Bebe for an accident in the house.

Later, at a local veterinary hospital, the dog’s temperature was so elevated that it could not be accurately recorded. Tragically, Bebe was pronounced dead. Given the circumstances, including a dependent person with a disability in the home, officers did not arrest Scott but filed charges against her. These charges were confirmed on May 1, 2024, in Pinal County Superior Court.

This incident underscores the severe risks pets face during summer months, when temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees. In the coming months, pavement temperatures can escalate to 180 degrees. To ensure the safety of pets, the Arizona Humane Society advocates for the following precautions:

• Keep pets indoors whenever possible.
• Limit outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours.
• Avoid extended walks and vigorous play during peak heat.
• Provide ample cool water sources for hydration.
• Consider using dog booties to protect sensitive paws from hot pavement.
• Engage pets with sprinklers or kiddie pools for exercise.
• Never leave pets chained outside.

Even temperatures above 95 degrees can lead to dangerous pavement burns. A rule of thumb is if you can’t hold your bare foot on the ground for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog. Additionally, parked cars pose a significant risk, becoming dangerously hot. If you encounter a child or pet in a hot vehicle, consider these steps:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Check if the vehicle is locked.
• If unlocked, open a door to access the vehicle. If locked, consider breaking a window, using only the necessary force.
• Stay with the child or pet until help arrives.