WTOL.com, Toledo's News Leader, News 11 | Oops he did it again - Mayor Finkbeiner leaves dog in car

Oops he did it again - Mayor Finkbeiner leaves dog in car

Reported by Paula Johnson 

Posted by Nick Dutton - email

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTOL) - Saturday morning News 11 cameras caught Mayor Carty Finkbeiner in violation of parking, safety and green living codes of conduct. His car was parked illegally and left running for nearly 45 minutes with his dog Scout inside.

As the city makes strides toward green living, is the mayor setting the city back?

Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner has been called to task before about leaving his dog Scout in the car. That prompted a personal service announcement.

"I want to tell you about something I learned recently. On a hot day, don't leave your dog in the car," says Mayor Finkbeiner in the announcement.

But Saturday morning, Scout was all alone with Carty no where in sight. The car sat outside the Frogtown Fair, a green event offering tips on saving the earth.

Earlier this year the mayor cracked down on city employees idling their cars. But this morning, he left his running, with parking spaces just across the street.

"I don't understand this. He violated parking," says Ret. Toledo Police Sgt. Richard Murphy.

And Scout was left alone in the car yet again. Something the Humane Society says just isn't safe.

"It probably still was starting to get warm. Even with air running, you can feel it with sun coming in just like when you're driving down the road," says Humane Society Cruelty Investigator Nancy Schilb. 

Some green living supporters say Carty is only human.

"With the dog again? Bless his heart. I think he means well but he has his troubles."

But they also say it's time to learn from past mistakes, especially those that put others at risk.

Mayor's office responds to News 11:

Today, channel 11 presented a story about the Mayor's vehicle, Scout inside.

Mayor Finkbeiner's was legally parked. The Toledo Police Department provides this Mayor, and every Mayor with a parking pass that allows them to park where they wish. It was clearly visible in the left corner of the vehicle's windshield...click here for complete statement.