MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -
A Mid-State teen was cited for animal cruelty after she left her dog in a hot car over the weekend.
According to a report in the Daily News Journal, the incident involving Keara Johnson occurred around Saturday around 6:45 p.m. at the Walmart located on Old Fort Parkway.
The paper reported an anonymous caller notified police of the small, white dog locked inside Johnson's unattended vehicle.
Officers responded to the scene and found the dog in the vehicle's floorboard.
"The vehicle was black in color and the windows were cracked approximately half and inch," Officer Thomas Troutman told the newspaper.
He continued, "It was 110 degrees outside and I was at the location approximately 10 minutes before the owner came to her vehicle. The vehicle was not running."
Johnson was cited for animal cruelty, which is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
The Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Services were also notified of the incident. Officers said they would follow up with Johnson on the incident.
*The Daily News Journal contributed to this report.
