A professional indoor football player is under investigation in Arizona after police say he left his dog locked inside a vehicle for hours while attending practice.
Authorities in Glendale responded to a report of a dog trapped in a car near Desert Diamond Arena, where the Arizona Rattlers were holding team activities. When officers arrived, they found the animal in distress, reportedly panting heavily inside a vehicle with minimal ventilation and no access to food or water.
Police identified the dog’s owner as Patrick Jones, a player with the team at the time. According to officials, the dog had been left inside the locked car for approximately three hours during the afternoon.
Investigators say Jones initially denied ownership of the vehicle before later admitting it was his. He told officers he had no alternative place to keep the dog, citing temporary living arrangements at a hotel.
The dog was removed from the vehicle by authorities and transported to a local animal shelter, where it is receiving care. Officials have not released details about the animal’s current condition but indicated it survived the incident.
Jones was not arrested at the scene. However, police confirmed that they intend to submit charges for animal cruelty pending further review. The case remains under investigation.
The Arizona Rattlers organization has not publicly commented in detail on the situation, though reports indicate Jones is no longer with the team. It is unclear whether his departure is directly related to the incident.
Animal welfare advocates often warn that leaving pets in parked vehicles—even for short periods—can quickly become dangerous, especially in warmer climates like Arizona. Temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly, creating life-threatening conditions for animals.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as authorities determine whether formal charges will be filed.