Bridgewater Women Arraigned After Dogs Die From Being Left in Scorching Car

BROCKTON (WBSM) — The Bridgewater mother and daughter accused of leaving two dogs in a hot vehicle for over 90 minutes this past July, leading to their deaths, were arraigned Wednesday on animal cruelty charges.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz said that Lisa Smith, 59, and Rachel Smith, 33, both of Bridgewater, were each charged in Brockton District Court with one count of cruelty to animals and one count of confinement of an animal in a motor vehicle causing exposure to extreme heat.

READ MORE: Bridgewater Women Face Charges After Dogs Die in Hot Car

Both women pleaded not guilty and were released on personal recognizance with the conditions that they undergo mental health evaluations, do not own or possess any animals, and have no unsupervised contact with any animals.

Get our free mobile app

Dogs Found Dead in Sweltering Car

On July 16, 2025, Bridgewater Police responded to reports of two women who were screaming and crying outside of a building on Heather Lane. Investigators found two deceased dogs at the scene and later determined they had died after being left in a vehicle with no open windows or air conditioning for over 90 minutes.

What Investigators Determined Happened

The D.A.’s Office said it is alleged that Lisa Smith placed the dogs in her vehicle after they had been “causing a ruckus” and then left the home with her daughter to run errands.

It was noted that neither of the women attempted to call law enforcement after they found the dogs deceased hours later. By the time investigators arrived, the vehicle had reached temperatures of at least 130 degrees.

At the time of the incident, Bridgewater Police also alleged the dogs had been living in "unsanitary conditions" inside the home.

The Smiths are next scheduled to appear in court on December 4.