A man who allegedly left his dog in an unattended pickup truck that led to the dog’s death, was arraigned for animal cruelty on Monday. A default warrant had been issued for the man after he failed to appear at his initial court date on Aug. 29th.
Travis Gustafson, 31, was arraigned on animal cruelty and unsafe confinement of a dog after he allegedly left his pit bull Max unattended in a Chevy pickup truck on Burroughs Street the afternoon of Aug. 1, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Spokesperson Jake Wark.
Judge James Stanton released Gustafson on his own recognizance although prosecutors had recommended a $750 cash bail. His next scheduled court date is Oct. 27th, said Wark.
On Aug. 1st city personnel accessed the truck shortly after 4 p.m. after an employee of a landscaping company noticed the dog in distress in the truck and called 911. Boston Police and Boston Fire personnel arrived on scene and entered the truck. Max was brought to the MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center but died a short time later.
Gustafson was notified that the dog had been taken from his vehicle, brought to the MSPCA and had not survived. The dog was reportedly left in the vehicle without any water, and Gustafson allegedly told investigators he had fed the dog ice cream earlier in the day, according to a police report.
If residents see an animal locked in a car and are not able to immediately locate the owner, they should call 911 or contact Boston Animal Care and Control.