California Veterinarian Arrested After Dog Dies in Hot Vehicle
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According to Veterinary News, 51-year-old veterinary surgeon Douglas James Huber was arrested after his dog died in his parked vehicle.Huber was called into Desert Veterinary Specialists clinic for an emergency during the evening of Aug. 4. Huber brought his dog along with him, but left the animal inside his car. According to investigators, Huber reported that the procedure lasted much longer than expected, causing him to stay at the clinic into the morning hours.
Huber learned of his 8-year-old German Shepherd's death from emergency personnel who reported to the scene to free the dog from the car the following morning at around 9:05 a.m. Huber was visibly distraught at the scene.
When the dog was found inside of the locked vehicle, it was 95 degrees in Palm Desert, Calif. Officers who arrived at the scene were unable to locate the dog's owner, leading one officer to break one of the car's windows in an attempt to save the dog's life. The dog was panting heavily and had lapsed into seizures. When they finally removed the dog, they attempted to cool it down with water, but were unsuccessful.
Huber was arrested at 9:54 a.m. after learning about his dog's death. If Huber is charged, he could face up to $500 in fines or jail time for a maximum of six months.
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15 Comments
Glad he was arrested. Agree he should be left in hot car. No excuses. We have to be their animals voice as they didnht have a choice
August 11 2012 at 2:17 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyEye for an Eye... Put him in the Car for the Same amount of time as Punishment... n let him see how it FEELS... People need 2 start THINKING about others n stop thinking of their pets as just BELONGINGS... I would never have even thought of leaving my dog one minute in a closed car because I would not want 2 be in one......
August 11 2012 at 11:03 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyA Vet should know better ......It's hot out side idiot...It's Palm desert even at night it's in the 90s....
August 10 2012 at 10:18 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down ReplyAn Elementary school principal left her baby in the back seat....forgot baby was there. Baby died. It is crazy to bring pets along for a ride in this HEAT. I'm sure the doc is remorseful. BUT I agree with those of you who mentioned NOT bring an animal with you, while on errands. Just so sad.
August 10 2012 at 10:11 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyWhy do people bring their animals with them when they travel?...I always thought this was a stupid idea from a stupid person..but low in behold this guy can't even claim that...if you intend to leave an animal in a car FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME ..it should be very cold WINTER...because even then it is stupid..leave them home and let them see you when you get back! POOR BABY and stupid OWNER
August 10 2012 at 8:42 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyMy last post said "I would take my pet to him" that should have read "I would NOT take my pet to him" I was in such a tizzy after reading this unbelievable story that I did not proof read. I feel so bad that this dog and many others have suffered this tragic fate and it is so preventable.
August 10 2012 at 8:04 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyNo excuse for Huber's negligence is acceptable. Huber could've taken the dog into the clinic while he performed surgery. After all surgery was being performed in a veterinary office. Every time I drive by the office I hear their cash register going "ka-cheng." Huber should lose his license, and get the hell out of Palm Desert.
August 10 2012 at 8:04 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyI agree with you. He was in a Vet Clinic. There are exam rooms, etc. This was pure negligence. Dr. Huber was called to the Clinic in the evening. It's possible he had a few cocktails...not making excuses, but it is so ridiculous for a Vet to do this.
August 10 2012 at 10:16 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThere is absolutely no excuse what so ever for this in any situation for any reason. LEAVE the pets at home when you go SHOPPING or else the pet might DIE of heat exhaustion. But....this man is a veterinarian which makes this story even worse, HE WAS AT AN ANIMAL CLINIC...HELLO??? Does any one else find it ODD that he did not take the dog inside? He should have his license revoked, I certainly would take my pet to him
August 10 2012 at 7:59 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyThis idiot had no business being a veterinarian. Poor animal suffered terribly. I hope they take his license away. German Shepherds are so beautiful and loyal. Terrible. Poor dog.
August 10 2012 at 6:39 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Replyhttp://palmdesert.patch.com/articles/dog-locked-in-hot-vehicle-dies-owner-a-vet-arrested
August 10 2012 at 6:02 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply