Two puppies died from heat exposure in a transport van at the LaGrange Animal Shelter — and it never should have happened. On July 25, 2025, an officer returned with 16 animals from a veterinary visit. Because a euthanasia procedure was happening at the shelter, the animals were left in the van with the engine and A/C reportedly running.

But by 12:30 p.m., a temporary worker noticed the van was getting warm. The animals were panting. No one was alerted. By the time staff returned to the van, it was dangerously hot — and two puppies didn’t survive.

This was not just a mechanical failure. It was a systemic failure. A failure of communication, oversight, and basic animal care. These puppies died because no one acted when they had the chance.

The city says the van will be inspected and a heat alarm will be added. That’s not enough. We need a full, public investigation into what happened, a clear accountability process for staff who failed to intervene, and an urgent update of shelter protocols for animal transport and heat safety.

Shelters exist to protect animals — not place them in preventable danger. These lives mattered. And unless real steps are taken, this could happen again.

Add your name to demand action from the City of LaGrange and the LaGrange Animal Shelter. These puppies deserved better — and so do every animal that enters their care.