Two women are facing criminal charges after a dog died from apparent heat exposure while tethered outside a Merrillville home during dangerous temperatures, according to court records and a new release from the Merrillville Police Department.

Police said officers were dispatched to the 5500 block of Jackson Street at approximately 2:20 p.m. on July 1 after receiving a report of a possible animal in distress. When officers arrived, they found a small black dog lying motionless beneath a swing set. Investigators determined the dog was tethered in a way that prevented it from escaping the direct sunlight. Although a water bowl was in the yard, the dog could not reach it.

According to Merrillville Police, the outdoor temperature was above 90 degrees when officers arrived. They immediately attempted to cool the dog with water and offered it water to drink, but the animal was unable to respond.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, officers rushed the dog to Cross Roads Animal Hospital in a patrol vehicle with the rear air conditioning set to maximum during the approximately 15-minute drive. Despite emergency efforts by veterinary staff, the dog was pronounced dead at approximately 3:02 p.m.

Court documents state veterinarians believed the dog died from heat exposure. Hospital staff told investigators the dog’s body temperature exceeded the maximum reading of their thermometer, which only measures up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The device displayed only “high,” indicating the animal’s temperature was above the thermometer’s measurable range. Veterinarians noted a normal canine body temperature ranges from 99.5 to 102.5 degrees.

Investigators allege the dog’s leash had been wrapped around the base of the swing set and tied to nearby stairs, leaving the animal with little ability to move into the shade. Officers also noted the dog was breathing slowly and appeared to be suffering from severe heat-related distress when they first arrived.

According to the affidavit, at approximately 3:14 p.m., Jazmin Yates called police after seeing officers at the residence through a security camera and asked why they had taken her dog. Yates told investigators she had been away from the home and did not know how long the dog had been outside, stating Takayla Rencher had been watching the animal.

Police allege Rencher initially told investigators she had placed the dog outside with food and water only five minutes before officers arrived. She later changed her statement, telling investigators the dog may have actually been put outside around 1 p.m.

Following the investigation, the Merrillville Police Department filed charges through Merrillville Town Court against Jazmin Yates, of Gary, and Takayla Rencher, of Merrillville.

Both women were charged on July 6 with Cruelty to an Animal – First Offense, a Class A misdemeanor.

Merrillville Police said the case serves as a tragic reminder to pet owners during periods of extreme heat.

“During periods of extreme heat, animals should never be left outdoors without access to adequate shade and a constant supply of fresh, reachable water,” the department said in its release. “Please monitor your pets closely and take appropriate precautions to protect them from heat-related illness or death.”

As with all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.