CHICAGO (WGN) A family in the Chicago suburb of Park Forest is grieving after they say they lost their beloved dog as a result of excessive heat, blaming the lack of air conditioning in their apartment complex, Autumn Ridge.
Taz died Sunday morning after allegedly falling ill from extreme heat conditions.
“We took him outside to get some fresh air. He was falling down the stairs. The next morning, he was just laying there. He just looked hot,” said Autumn Ridge resident Essence Wright.
Wright and her mom, Jacqui, say they don’t have a car but called an Uber to get Taz to a 24/7 pet hospital when they saw he was struggling. But it was too late.
“He was a senior, but he had a lot more life to live,” Jacqui Wright said.
The family maintains that the air conditioning hasn’t been working properly in the building where they reside. Taz has been in their lives for 16 years, and they described him as joyful.
“I’ve recorded 98 degrees,” Jacqui Wright added.
While the news surrounding Taz was shocking, to many of their neighbors, it wasn’t considered surprising, residents added. The Autumn Ridge apartment complex has allegedly been without proper air conditioning for weeks.
“I was heartbroken because I have a dog of my own that has really been suffering through this as well, and it has made me very concerned. So I try to keep him hydrated as much as possible, because I know animals, just like babies, can become overheated very quickly,” Autumn Ridge resident Andrea said.
affiliate WGN-TV has been reporting on the issue for more than two weeks. Responding to a request for comment, a representative on behalf of Autumn Ridge’s building management claimed the air conditioning had been turned on in three of the buildings, which residents say is not true.
It also blamed the Wrights for leaving the dog on the balcony in its crate, which the family said they’d do from time to time because it was cooler outside than inside.
Recently, the Village of Park Forest threatened to take legal action against the building for putting people at risk. Board Trustee Randall White says more must be done before more families experience heartbreak.
“We’re possibly looking at a situation where we’re not just burying a dog, but possibly a young dog or a senior,” White said. “You know, it’s a nightmare.”
Several Autumn Ridge residents say they plan to attend the village’s next board meeting to voice their concerns. The board meeting takes place at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 21.
