Last Updated on October 5, 2023 by Fumipets
Puppy Rescued from Sweltering Texas Storage Unit: Ex-NFL Player Faces Charges
A Heartbreaking Discovery
In a heart-wrenching incident that underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership, former Dallas Cowboy player Dwayne Anthony Missouri found himself on the wrong side of the law. On a sweltering day in June, authorities in Helotes, Texas, were alerted to a distressing situation: a puppy trapped inside a scorching storage unit.
The Abandonment
Missouri, aged 44, now faces charges of cruelty to non-livestock animals, a class A misdemeanor. The incident unfolded when officers from the Helotes Police Department responded to reports of a dog’s desperate barking emanating from a storage unit at Storage Mart. What they discovered was heart-wrenching—a small puppy confined within the unit, enduring unbearable temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grim Conditions
The puppy’s plight was evident as officers found two empty food bowls and a desk with a bag of dog food nearby. Disturbingly, approximately 60 percent of the storage unit was crammed with clothes and shoes, one pair soiled with urine and fecal matter. The innocent canine had been subjected to unspeakable conditions for two agonizing days.
Surveillance Unveils the Truth
As the investigation progressed, surveillance footage and entry logs from Storage Mart painted a grim picture. It revealed that Missouri had brought the dog to the storage unit on June 18, but he did not return until June 25. On June 20, he left a voicemail with Storage Mart, claiming to have left the dog in the care of someone else, a statement that contradicted the surveillance evidence.
The Dangers of Extreme Heat
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that extreme heat poses to our beloved pets. The Humane Society warns against leaving animals inside parked cars or enclosed spaces during the scorching summer months. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a partially opened car window can reach a scalding 102 degrees within just ten minutes. After half an hour, it soars to a life-threatening 120 degrees, potentially causing irreversible organ damage or even death.
Legal Consequences
Missouri, a former defensive end from San Antonio, previously signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2001 but played only two games during the 2001-02 season, registering no statistics. His bail was set at $2,000 following his arrest.
Seeking Comment
Newsweek reached out to the Helotes Police and the local Texas Humane Society for comment, highlighting the importance of public awareness and responsible pet ownership.
Sources: Newsweek – Puppy Found Locked in Sweltering Texas Storage Unit, Ex-NFL Player Arrested
