Police say the animal showed severe heat distress and died after emergency transport to a veterinary hospital
Myrtle Beach, SC — A dog died after being left in a parked car in Myrtle Beach, leading to felony animal cruelty charges against two out-of-state individuals, police said.
Jailah Bryonna Cooperwood, 23, of Long Beach, California, and William Anthony Clark Jr., 23, of District Heights, Maryland, were both charged with one count of ill-treatment of animals following the April 13, 2026 incident, according to the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
Dog found in severe heat distress
Officers responded around 4:54 p.m. to a parking area near 8th Avenue North and Legion Street after receiving a report of a dog in distress inside a vehicle.
When officers arrived, they found a large breed dog inside a parked sedan showing clear signs of heat-related distress. Police said the animal was lethargic, unresponsive, and struggling to breathe.
Although the vehicle’s windows were partially open, authorities determined that ventilation was not sufficient to protect the dog from the heat.
Emergency response unsuccessful
Officers removed the dog from the vehicle and initiated emergency transport to an animal hospital, but the animal later died as a result of heat exhaustion, police said.
Key Points
• Dog died after being left in car in Myrtle Beach parking area
• Officers found animal unresponsive and suffering heat-related distress
• Two individuals charged with felony ill-treatment of animals
Charges filed, investigation ongoing
Following an investigation, police charged Cooperwood and Clark in connection with the incident. Authorities have not released additional details about how long the dog was left in the vehicle.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department said the case remains an active investigation.
Ongoing case status
Both suspects are facing felony animal cruelty charges as the investigation continues, and authorities have not announced any court dates. All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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