A Herndon, Va., resident was arrested Tuesday on charges relating to the death of his dog, according to Loudoon County Animal Services.
Stuart Grimes, 24, has been charged with animal cruelty and confinement of an animal in a vehicle. Grimes’s dog Rex died on May 31 from symptoms relating to heat stroke, Animal Services said.
Grimes was arrested at an IHOP in Sterling that day. According to Animal Services, at the time of his arrest, Rex was in Grimes's vehicle in the IHOP parking lot and remained there until several hours later when Grimes was released.
Animal Services said that Grimes has alleged that he informed the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office that his dog was in the car, but there was no evidence presented to confirm his story.
Both charges are punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
