Woman Arrested In Capital Region for Leaving Her Dog In Frozen Car Overnight

Woman arrested in Queensbury, New York for leaving her dog in her car overnight, in freezing temperatures.

We have all heard the stories of careless individuals leaving pets, and sometimes small children, in their vehicles in the heat of summer. Authorities say a car can reach over 100 degrees within 10 minutes and nearly 130 degrees in less than an hour. It can be equally as dangerous in the icy cold of winter.

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On January 1, 2026, at approximately 7:41am, New York State Troopers responded to the report of a dog left in a vehicle overnight. The investigation determined that a Michigan woman allegedly left the dog in a vehicle overnight, without a heat source, in temperatures well below freezing.

Following an investigation State Police of Queensbury arrested 28-year-old Arianna Harvey of Flint, Michigan for an agriculture & markets law violation under 352-D, Confinement of companion animals in vehicles: extreme temperatures.

An Agriculture & Markets Law violation involves breaking state or federal rules governing farming, food, animals, and product sales. One of the most common types of violations include animal welfare. This would include, but not limited to, animal cruelty, and failing to provide proper care.

In cold weather, the temperature inside a vehicle will closely match the temperature outside the vehicle when the motor isn't running. If it is 20 degrees outside, it will be 20 degrees inside the vehicle.

Harvey was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Queensbury Town Court on January 12, 2026, and released. The dog was determined to be uninjured and released to Harvey.