FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — A Kernersville man is facing animal cruelty charges after two dogs died and a third was rescued from a locked vehicle in downtown Winston-Salem over the weekend.
On Saturday, Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the area of East 2nd and North Church Streets after reports of animals in distress. Upon arrival, deputies found three dogs trapped inside a car with the windows rolled up.
Deputies quickly determined the dogs were in danger and broke a window to reach them. Despite rescue efforts, two of the dogs died at the scene. The third was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic and is expected to recover fully.
Authorities say the dogs had been left in the vehicle overnight with no ventilation. The car’s owner, Darin Latrelle James, 23, told investigators he had checked on the animals earlier and believed they were fine.
James has been charged with three counts of Misdemeanor Animal Cruelty. He was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond and is scheduled to appear in Forsyth County Court on July 1.
The case remains under active investigation, and officials say more information will be released as it becomes available.
