Arizona theater owner cited for dog in car

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 29 (UPI) -- The owner of a Phoenix theater chain told police he checked on his pet dog several times while it was left it in his car parked in 100-degree heat.

Dan Harkins, owner of Harkins Theatres, nevertheless was cited for animal cruelty by Scottsdale police, The Arizona Republic reported Tuesday.

The incident occurred Saturday at one of Harkins' theaters after a citizen flagged down a police car and told the officers a dog in a parked BMW appeared to be in trouble.

The officer said he saw a corgi dog inside the vehicle panting heavily even though the car was parked in the shade with the windows down 2-3 inches.

Harkins told investigators he had checked on the animal and left it with water. He also issued a statement saying he didn't condone leaving dogs in parked cars and was donating $1 million to animal charities.