Las Vegas Woman Arrested After Dog Dies in Extreme Heat

In a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, a Las Vegas woman faces felony charges after her dog died from apparent heatstroke. Olivia Underwood, 30, allegedly left her French bulldog, Jazzy, confined in a crate outside her southeast Las Vegas home for over 20 hours amid soaring temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Underwood, a certified nursing assistant since 2013, reportedly told police she had worked a 12-hour shift and, upon returning home, fell asleep without checking on her dog. It wasn’t until approximately 1 p.m. the next day that neighbors discovered Jazzy unresponsive, prompting them to intervene.

This incident is not Underwood’s first encounter with animal protection authorities. Records indicate at least two prior complaints, including a 2016 report of a pit bull left outside without adequate shelter in cold weather.

Underwood was arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on a felony charge of willful and malicious torture, maiming, or killing of a dog. She has since posted bail and is scheduled for a court appearance on July 2.

This case underscores the importance of personal responsibility, especially when it comes to the care of dependent animals. As temperatures rise, pet owners must remain vigilant to prevent such avoidable tragedies.

Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal