Indiana raises animal cruelty to felony in wake of Cicero hot car dog deaths

Indiana raises animal cruelty to felony in wake of Cicero hot car dog deaths

The law comes into focus as prosecutors pursue charges against 36-year-old Perina James, accused of leaving two dogs in a hot vehicle, resulting in their deaths.

Two dogs die after being left in car on 95-degree day; owner charged with felony

On Friday, July 3, two dogs died after being left unattended in a car at The Boathouse Restaurant, 409 W. Jackson St., Cicero. Perina James, 35, has since been arrested and charged with Cruelty to an Animal, a Level 6 Felony, and Cruelty to an Animal, a Class A Misdemeanor. (IC 35-46-3-7) According to the probable cause affidavit, on July 3, Cicero Police responded to a call about two dogs being left in a hot vehicle. At 4:30 p.m., just before o…