LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The owner of a bulldog who died in triple-digit heat this weekend was previously visited by Animal Protection Services at least twice, an arrest report reveals.
Olivia Underwood, a UMC employee, is facing a felony animal abuse-related charge after her three-year-old French Bulldog, Jazzy, died in a backyard kennel on Friday, May 30.
According to investigators, Underwood placed her dog Jazzy in an outdoor kennel before she left for work around 5:45 p.m. Police note that the dog would die 20 hours later.
Underwood arrived home around 7 a.m. Saturday, but told officers she “went inside and went to sleep” without checking on Jazzy.
Detectives stated in the report that Underwood “had time to get home from work, order an Uber for her grandmother, change into sleeping clothes, and fall asleep,” but never checked on the dog.
Interviews with witnesses revealed that neighbors slowly gathered near the backyard to check on Jazzy, who “appeared to be dying.” Neighbors would also notice that the back gate was unlocked and agreed to enter and check on the dog, according to the report.
As they approached, they noticed Jazzy having a possible heat-induced seizure and attempted to pour water over the dog’s body. The neighbors attempted to do this three times, but noticed that the dog was no longer breathing and became stiff.
When they realized the dog was dead, some attempted to revive the puppy with CPR while others began to pray, the report noted.
Underwood told police that she woke up around 1 p.m. on Saturday after hearing neighbors in her backyard. As she approached, she would see Jazzy dead. Witnesses told police that she “became hysterical” and told everyone to get out of her backyard.
When questioned by detectives, Underwood reported that Jazzy was outside because she had “made a mess in her crate,” but she is usually kept inside. Detectives noted that the crate was locked during the day, leaving no way for Jazzy to scratch at the door to be let in or escape the heat.
Detectives also noted that Underwood had two previous visits from Animal Protection Services in 2014 and 2016. APS was also notified in 2024 after she brought the dog to a veterinarian, but refused all medical care and left.
Underwood was arrested at her home on Saturday, but was released after posting bond on Sunday.
She is due back in court on July 2.
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