Owner of dog found ‘baked to death' in yard arrested

PITTSBURGH — The owner of a dog who animal control officers said "baked to death" earlier this month was arrested Tuesday.

Officials said Tyrell Herbert was arrested and charged with animal cruelty.

The case began in Pittsburgh's Mount Washington neighborhood on July 7 when the heat index was in excess of 100 degrees.

Police said they found a 7-month-old pit bull lifeless in Herbert’s yard.

“There was no shelter. The dog was just baking in the sun,” Pittsburgh Police officer Christine Luffy said. “If a pet dies because of your negligence, we have no choice but to arrest you for cruelty to animals.”

Authorities said Herbert was emotional when he was arrested Tuesday and told officers he kept the dog outside because he was having accidents in the house.

“He said the dog was outside because the dog was using the bathroom in the house,” Pittsburgh Police officer Ray Klein said. “I don’t believe that’s an excuse to let them outside that long.”

Officials said they hope Herbert’s arrest will serve as an example to other dog owners.

“I love my dogs. I think everybody, if they’re going to have one, needs to take of them just like that’s their kid,” dog owner Melissa Roth said.

Herbert faces misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.

WPXI