Man Charged After Dog Dies in Scorching Car Outside Casino

Justice has been swift in the case of Andrew DeShield, 62, of Bensalem, who visited the Parx casino last weekend. In doing so, DeShield left his pit bull mix, Gucci, inside his vehicle while he entered the property to gamble.

Man’s Dog Discovered by the Police Dead after Casino Accident

Gucci succumbed to the scorching heat later on when it was rushed to the vet, with the animal’s body temperature reaching 108 degrees Fahrenheit. A security staff member had discovered the animal and acted quickly, finding DeShield on the property. The dog was rushed to a clinic in the meantime, but DeShield went over to the veterinarian and took the dog home with him.

The next day, police arrived at DeShield’s residence and discovered the dog deceased in the back of the car. DeShield has been arrested and detained in the Bucks County Correctional Center, as he refused to pay the $200,000 bail set for his release.

He faces aggravated cruelty to animals causing death, as well as misdemeanors for cruelty and neglect of an animal. Because of this, he may face up to seven years of prison time along with fines of up to $15,000. DeShield has previous felony counts, such as drug possession with the intent to manufacture or/and distribute, which could further compound his situation.

Gucci Died in Unclarified Circumstances

The details about the dog’s passing are not yet clear, but investigators have pointed out that DeShield claimed Gucci before the dog could receive the appropriate treatment and medical interventions. It is not clear whether DeShield then left the dog in the hot car again or moved it there after the dog passed.

It is very likely that DeShield will now face some form of imprisonment and that he will also be placed on the state’s Involuntary Exclusion List. Pennsylvania runs a comprehensive list of patrons who are banned from gambling statewide because of actions that endangered the lives of others.