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SANDUSKY, Ohio (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-Team has learned a 58-year-old Sandusky woman is being held in the Erie County Jail on a cruelty to animals charge after police say she locked her dog in a car to “punish” him and the pit bull died. 

According to the Sandusky police report, officers were called to Mouheb Ashakih’s Perry Street home around 7:20 p.m. Saturday by a neighbor who was concerned about the dog. 

Mouheb Ashakih, Courtesy: Erie County Jail

“He stated he observed the dog tearing up the inside of the vehicle and it appeared he wanted out,” the report states. “He noticed all the windows were rolled up and he was concerned for the canine’s safety. He went over the residence and spoke to Mouheb through her side window. He told her to let the dog out, to which she replied, ‘I don’t care. I want him to die.'”

When police arrived, officers went to check on the dog. 

“Due to no movement observed in the vehicle officers immediately rushed up to it after climbing over the fence and the dog was observed to be either passed out or deceased at the rear passenger side floorboard,” the report states. “It should be noted, the temperature was still 81 degrees and the vehicle windows were indeed all closed and the doors were locked. Mouheb began screaming upon observing her canine and begged us to break her car window.”

When the officers got the dog out of the vehicle, he had died.  

Ashakih appeared in court Monday.  The judge ordered her held without on bond, pending a mental health evaluation.  She is due back in court soon.

According to court records, Ashakih was cited on August 3 for failing to confine two dogs.

Erie County Dog Warden Barb Knapp said the two adult dogs were running loose.   Knapp said the dog that died was named El Chapo, and was one of the dogs that was loose.  She said the dog was very friendly.

“If you called him he would run right back to you,” Knapp said. “He did not deserve this to happen to him.”

A 2-year-old dog and three 6-month-old puppies were taken from the home. 

Knapp says the three puppies and female adult dog are OK. They are being kept at the kennel.  She is asking anyone who is interested in fostering the puppies to contact the kennel as soon as possible.