A dog was dragged from a truck and left on the side of the road in the summer heat. He died the next morning. Someone needs to answer for that.

On Wednesday evening, Washington Park police responded to a call from a bystander who witnessed a dog being thrown from a truck on Bunkum Road in St. Clair County, Illinois. Security footage confirmed the Rottweiler had been dragged from the vehicle and left for dead. Officers found him foaming at the mouth and in severe distress.

Gateway Pet Guardians stepped in immediately — directing police to an emergency veterinary clinic and covering nearly $1,000 in care costs out of their own pocket. Bystanders used wet towels to try to cool him down. Everyone who could help did.

But the dog's body temperature was dangerously high. He developed seizures overnight. Veterinary staff made the decision to euthanize him early the next morning to end his suffering.

A suspect is currently on a 48-hour hold in the St. Clair County Jail. Washington Park Police are preparing to present a case to the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office. Officers have made clear they intend to see this person prosecuted.

The public needs to make clear the same thing.

Sign this petition to demand the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office file the strongest possible charges against the person responsible for this dog's death and deliver the justice he deserved.