SCRANTON - City police believe heat exhaustion may have caused the death of a dog at a Tripp Park home on Tuesday, acting Capt. Glen Thomas said.
Police were notified Tuesday by a neighbor who saw a sick dog on the ground in a backyard at 2106 Farr St.
When police arrived, the dog laid on its side gasping for breathe.
The dog's owner was not home and there was not any shade or water available for the dog, Capt. Thomas said. After the neighbor wrapped the dog in a wet blanket, it had a seizure, Capt. Thomas said.
Police placed the dog in the back of a patrol car and rushed it to a veterinary clinic in South Abington Twp., Capt. Thomas said.
The dog died in route.
Police were not sure Tuesday if they will further explore what happened or if they will refer the matter to a local humane officer.