Flagler County deputies arrested a Miami father and son Thursday after finding two dogs and two pigeons confined in the rear of a moving truck during a planned roughly 600-mile relocation amid a heatwave.
Officials booked Angel Valdes, 70, and his son, Roy Valdes Hernandez, 35, on misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals after deputies said the vehicle’s interior temperature approached 102 degrees when they opened the truck’s roll-up door at a Palm Coast gas station.
What deputies found
A motorist reported seeing the truck's door slightly ajar and what looked like a dog trying to escape, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. When deputies inspected the cargo area they discovered two large dogs — described in the report as a pit bull mix and an English bulldog — visibly distressed and panting heavily. Investigators said one dog had trouble standing and the other was lying on a urine‑soaked covering and appeared unable to get up.
“The dogs simply needed water,” the family told deputies, according to the sheriff’s office report.
Deputies gave water to the animals, which they said the dogs drank immediately. Flagler County Animal Control took both dogs to an emergency veterinary hospital for treatment. Workers also located two pigeons inside a storage box and transported them for emergency care.
Family explanation and law enforcement response
The family told deputies the pets were kept in the truck rather than an SUV because the SUV was full of belongings and the backseat was cramped, the report states. Deputies noted the animals appeared neglected and in need of urgent medical attention.
Both men were arrested and jailed on misdemeanor cruelty charges. The sheriff’s office did not release bond information or further details about the animals’ medical condition following treatment at the emergency hospital.
Practical implications for residents
Animal advocates and officials warn that transporting animals in unsecured, unventilated cargo spaces during high temperatures can quickly become life-threatening. Florida summers regularly reach temperatures that increase the risk of heatstroke and dehydration for animals left in vehicles, even with brief stops.
- Never leave pets in a closed vehicle during warm weather.
- Use climate‑controlled transport or keep animals with you inside the cabin when traveling long distances.
- Monitor pets closely for heavy panting, weakness or inability to stand — all signs of heat distress.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control did not immediately provide additional comment beyond the arrest report. The case is a reminder of legal and welfare risks when animals are transported in unsafe conditions.
| Animal | Breed/Type | Approx. Weight | Condition when found | Action taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Pit bull mix | ~70 lbs | Struggling to stand, heavy panting | Treated with water; taken to emergency vet |
| Dog | English bulldog | ~80 lbs | Lying on urine‑soaked covering; unable to rise | Treated with water; taken to emergency vet |
| Birds | Pigeons (2) | Not listed | Found in storage box, chirping | Taken to emergency animal hospital |
Anyone with information about the incident or concerned about animal welfare can contact Flagler County Animal Control or the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Mateo Rivera, News Block
