On June 16, 2026, deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to an apartment on Palm Crossing Drive in Tampa after a concerned citizen reported a Cane Corso had been left in a crate outside for several hours without food or water in near 100-degree temperatures.
When deputies arrived, the dog was extremely lethargic and suffering from severe heat-related distress. The dog was transported for emergency care but later died.
During the investigation, the owner, Harvey Leroy Jones, 44, admitted to leaving the dog outside because it caused problems inside the home. The suspect was arrested and charged with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals.
This tragic case is a powerful reminder that extreme heat can kill pets in a matter of hours. Never leave animals outside without adequate shade, fresh water, and supervision during hot weather, as doing so can have fatal consequences.