Investigator: heat killed 9 Westfield dogs
WESTFIELD, Mass.—An investigator says nine dogs at a Westfield kennel died from heat stress caused by a malfunctioning air conditioner.
Westfield Animal Control Officer Kenneth Frazer tells The Republican newspaper of Springfield (http://bit.ly/Mrftzc) Friday the deaths were "a tragic accident." Frazer said he, an MSPCA investigator, and an air conditioning technician found the unit's coil frosted over, causing it to blow hot air.
MSPCA spokesman Rob Halpin also said it appears the July 5 deaths were an accident.
Brenda Coggin of Coggin Creek Stables said the air conditioner was emitting a mist and chemical odor when she found her Australian shepherds. They had bled through their noses. Investigators said that likely was from broken blood vessels, not the chemical.
Frazer said the dogs were well cared for but he may give Coggins a written warning for an unlicensed kennel.
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Information from: The Springfield (Mass.) Republican, http://www.masslive.com/news/
