GOLDEN, Colo. – In a tragic case of animal cruelty, Michael Reynolds was sentenced yesterday for the death of his dog “Keef,” who died after being left in a car for over 4 hours in 80-degree temperatures. The incident occurred on July 4, 2023, when Reynolds took his German Shepherd mix, “Keef,” to the Foothills Golf Course in Littleton, intending to keep him in the car while he played golf.
Witnesses reported hearing the distressed dog whimpering inside the vehicle, prompting one Good Samaritan to break a window and attempt to rescue Keef. Unfortunately, the dog was unresponsive, and subsequent efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. An autopsy confirmed that Keef died due to heat exhaustion.
Reynolds, who returned to his vehicle around 1 pm, was issued a summons at the scene. He later pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and was sentenced to 60 days in jail, 2 years of probation, 100 hours of useful public service, monitored sobriety, a dog ownership class, court fines and fees, and a two-year ban on owning a dog.
The responding Animal Control officer, addressing the court at Reynolds’ sentencing, described the death of Keef as “entirely avoidable.” Prosecutors argued that Reynolds neglected to check on Keef during his round of golf, displaying negligent and reckless behavior. The court emphasized that leaving a dog in a car for several hours under such conditions was unacceptable and deserving of a jail sentence.
It is important to note that there were no charges for the individual who attempted to rescue the dog by breaking the car window, as Colorado law prevents penalties for such actions. The tragic incident serves as a grave reminder that leaving animals or humans in a car in hot weather can have devastating consequences.