Pit Bull Dies of Heatstroke After Being Left in Vehicle in Antioch
A 7-year-old pit bull died from extreme heat after being left in a car for approximately two hours outside an Antioch apartment complex. The owner, Benjamin Dawson, was charged with aggravated animal cruelty and is undergoing a mental health evaluation.
Nashville, TN, August 14, 2026 —
A 7-year-old pit bull died from extreme heat after being left unattended in a vehicle for approximately two hours outside an apartment complex in Antioch. The incident led to the owner, identified as Benjamin Dawson, being charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
Authorities responded to the scene where the dog was discovered deceased inside the car due to the high temperatures. The specific duration the animal was left in the vehicle has been reported as around two hours. Further details regarding the exact timeline and the condition of the vehicle at the time of discovery were not immediately available.
Following the discovery, Benjamin Dawson was taken into custody and subsequently charged with aggravated animal cruelty. As part of the ongoing process, Dawson is also undergoing a mental health evaluation. The outcome of this evaluation and its potential impact on the legal proceedings were not specified.
The Antioch Police Department has not released further information regarding the investigation or any potential additional charges. The case highlights the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles, especially during warm weather, due to the rapid increase in interior temperatures which can be fatal to animals within a short period.
Story summarized from the original created by Tony Garcia on www.wsmv.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
