California Casino-Goer Leaves 15 Dogs in Hot Car, Concerning Trend Across The U.S.

Article ByDavid Weir

August 17, 2023

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Posted in: US Gambling Crime News, California Gambling News, US Casino News, US Gambling News

In a recent incident at an unnamed California gaming property, 15 dogs, primarily puppies, were left unattended in a parked car while their owner was inside the casino.

A vigilant passerby noticed the animals in distress and promptly alerted the authorities. The dogs, exposed to the sweltering heat, were fortunately rescued in time, averting a potential tragedy.

The dogs were subsequently placed in the care of the spcaLA South Bay Pet Adoption Center in Hawthorne, California.

These terrier-chihuahua mixed-breed dogs, comprising five females and ten males, are now up for adoption. The pet center has initiated a special drive, offering free adoptions between Wednesday and Sunday, in a bid to find these animals a loving home.

Previous Incidents Highlight Ongoing Issue

This isn’t the first time such an incident involving left in vehicle pets and casinos has occurred this year. In fact, it’s a sad but fairly regular occurrence at U.S casinos.

On July 14, in Atlantic City, a dog and a cat were discovered trapped inside a car in a casino parking garage. The animals had been confined for hours without water, air conditioning, or ventilation. The car’s owner, Thomas Cabot, 53, from Brooklyn, N.Y., was subsequently charged with third-degree cruelty to animals.

Another heart-wrenching incident took place at Rhode Island’s Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort.

A visitor allegedly left a dog inside her car for several hours on an extremely warm day. The dog tragically succumbed to the heat. The car’s windows were found to be fogged up, and the brake lights were activated, drawing the attention of casino security, who then contacted police. Officers forced their way into the car, where they found 110 degree temperatures.

 The owner, identified as Young Ju Seol of Hopkinton, Mass., was charged on two counts: malicious injury or killing of animals, and animal confinement in motor vehicles.

“The Lincoln Police Department remains committed to providing the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors, including animals,” said Lincoln P.D in a statement, as reported by MetroWest Daily News.

“The killing of defenseless animals in such a cruel manner is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by our agency.”

Not Just Pets

Sadly, leaving pets outside in cars is not even the most negligent behavior exhibited by casino patrons across the U.S.

Many jurisdictions have been cracking down hard on casino patrons leaving their own children outside in cars or in hotel rooms while they gamble.  

Massachusetts investigative journalists reported 21 such incidents at the Encore Boston Harbor in 2020.

Unattended children have been reported at U.S casinos asking security guards for food or urinating themselves, and have been found at all times of day and night, including 2 a.m.

Two children and a dog were left inside a car outside the Wind Creek Bethlehem earlier this year.

Operators are not lenient on this issue. Most casinos say that anyone caught leaving children unattended while visiting a casino will receive a lifetime ban from the venue, and potentially face criminal charges.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board this year introduced a new campaign and website, called Don’t Gamble with Kids, to combat such negligence.