Woman Convicted Of Animal Cruelty After Dog Died In Hot Car Last August

March 13, 2020

[Updated] An Escambia County woman was convicted Thursday on charges related to the death of a dog left inside a hot car last August.

A jury found Crystal Houk guilty of aggravated animal cruelty and cruelty to animals.

Investigators said Houk left her pit bull alone in a hot car for over an hour in the parking lot of the Ensley Walmart.

The dog was showing signs of overheating and the employees immediately opened the doors to circulate air and contacted authorities. The dog stopped breathing and passed away shortly thereafter. Animal Cruelty Investigator Sgt. Stephanie Eddins responded to the scene and conducted an investigation that revealed the dog had an internal temperature exceeding 109.9 degrees and had died of a heatstroke.

Further investigation revealed that the defendant had been inside Walmart for one hour and 32 minutes. The defendant had left the car running with a piece of pipe pressing down on the gas pedal in hopes of making her faulty air conditioning work, despite knowing of its mechanical problems.

She faces up to five years in prison when she is sentenced at later date.

Comments

5 Responses to “Woman Convicted Of Animal Cruelty After Dog Died In Hot Car Last August”

  1. Anonymous on March 27th, 2020 2:32 pm

    She needs the full sentence. That dog suffered and deserved better. What kinda animal lover tortures their dog? Smh.

  2. Anonymous on March 14th, 2020 10:32 pm

    I think it was a completely biased trial and the judge should have granted the change of venue,also with the scare of the Crna. Virus affecting the public and public areas .it affects people’s decisions and thought process….”jury”…..every motion the defense asked for was denied….everyone….wow….state attorney was granted every motion or comment….but the defense couldn’t mention or hint at any affectionate thought ,time ,feelings ,etc….but the state is allowed to say she didn’t love the dog?…wat kind of court is this….a prejudice court and this must be overturned on appeal

  3. Cindi on March 14th, 2020 12:34 pm

    5 years in prison is not enough. Put her in a hot car for 2 hours!

  4. Rational on March 13th, 2020 8:24 am

    The Judge needs to send a message to animal abusers, sentence should be 5 years.

  5. animal lover on March 13th, 2020 7:51 am

    part of her sentance should be locking her in a car for 3 hours @ 100 degrees plus.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News