Police in Tiverton, Rhode Island arrested Elyse Busch after she allegedly left her 15-month-old child and a small dog alone in an unlocked car for over 30 minutes while she played slot machines at Bally's Casino.

She is currently charged with cruelty to or neglect of a child — but no charges have been filed related to the dog, who was also left vulnerable and unattended in the same vehicle.

Leaving an animal in a parked car — even for a short time — can be dangerous or fatal, especially in warm conditions. It’s not only irresponsible, it’s illegal in many states, including Rhode Island, where state law prohibits confinement of animals in vehicles that could compromise their health or safety.

A child and a dog were both left in harm’s way. If this act qualifies as criminal neglect for a human child, it should also qualify as cruelty toward the animal involved.

We call on Tiverton Police and the Newport County District Attorney’s Office to add an animal cruelty charge to this case — not just to uphold the law, but to send a clear message: animal endangerment is taken seriously, especially when it happens alongside child neglect.

Sign this petition to demand full accountability — for both victims left behind in that car.

[Photo Credit: Tiverton Police Department]