Long Thauh Tran, 55, of St. Clair, has been charged with cruelty to animals, a second-degree misdemeanor, and neglect of animals – tethering, a third-degree misdemeanor, in connection with the July 3 incident.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, St. Clair Police were dispatched around 2:28 p.m. on July 3 to the rear of a Mill Street residence after a caller reported concerns about a dog being left outside throughout the day during extreme heat.
Police said the complainant told the officer Tran had built a small outdoor enclosure for the dog but did not believe the animal had unrestricted access to the inside of the home. Fulton reportedly told police the dog was routinely kept outside with little human interaction and had been observed outdoors overnight and again that morning, raising concerns for its welfare.
The officer then went to the nearby residence where the dog was located. According to the affidavit, no one answered the door, and no vehicles were parked outside.
Police reported finding a young male German Shepherd tethered in the yard. The dog was actively panting and had approximately one inch of dirty water available. Officers also observed a food bowl containing dog food and an additional empty, dry bowl. The enclosed area reportedly consisted primarily of blacktop, which the officer noted could pose a risk to the dog's paw pads because of the heat.
While on scene, a neighbor told police the dog was consistently left outdoors and that she had previously voiced concerns about its welfare. According to the affidavit, the neighbor said Tran typically did not return home until about 7 p.m., leaving the dog unattended for much of the day.
The affidavit states weather conditions in St. Clair that afternoon included a temperature of approximately 95 degrees with a "RealFeel" temperature near 106 degrees. Police alleged that leaving the dog outside in those conditions without adequate water could have resulted in dehydration or heat stroke.
A humane officer was contacted and responded to the residence, where the dog was taken into custody. According to the affidavit, Char-Will Kennels later notified police that the dog had been seized.
Court records show the criminal complaint was filed July 6. Tran is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on August 11th, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Edward M. Lewis.