Man charged with animal cruelty

SALISBURY, Md. (WMAR) - A Fruitland man is now facing charges after police say he left his dog in a hot car Tuesday.

A deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office responded to the parking lot of Wor-Wic Community College just after 10:30 a.m. for reports of a dog in an enclosed vehicle.

The deputy found the dog in the car without access to fresh air or water. Witnesses reported that he had been inside for at least 20 minutes and the dog appeared to be in distress.

While the deputy was trying to assist the dog, its owner, Christopher Littleton returned.

Littleton was placed under arrest for leaving the dog locked in the vehicle on a hot day when the air temperature had already reached 86 degrees.

Littleton was charged with animal cruelty and released on personal recognizance.