5 Great Danes Die in Sweltering Van, Woman Now Faces Felony Charges

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Woman Charged After 5 Great Danes Die in Hot Van Incident

In Madison, Wisconsin, a deeply troubling case of animal mistreatment has left five Great Danes dead and their owner facing multiple felony charges. The incident unfolded when police responded to an animal welfare call about a van parked on Science Drive with dogs trapped inside during sweltering conditions.

When officers arrived, they discovered seven Great Danes—six puppies and their mother—locked inside the hot vehicle while outside temperatures climbed past 80 degrees. Tragically, the mother dog and one of the puppies had already died. The remaining puppies were rushed for emergency veterinary care, but despite best efforts, three more were euthanized due to severe heatstroke. Only two puppies survived.

The owner, 68-year-old Judith Wiesner, admitted she had been living in the van with the dogs. She told officers she had attempted to cool them down by pouring water and ice on them before help arrived. Authorities charged Wiesner with five felony counts of animal mistreatment causing death, along with two misdemeanor counts of intentionally mistreating animals.

During her initial court appearance, prosecutors requested a $1,000 bail. However, Court Commissioner Brian Asmus instead set a signature bond, noting that Wiesner had no prior criminal record. He emphasized that multiple felony charges and several days in custody should be “enough to teach somebody” in such a case.

Wiesner pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges and was released until her preliminary hearing, scheduled for October 2. She also requested to be reunited with the two surviving dogs, but that request was firmly denied. “You’re just not going to be able to be reunited with your other pets at this point,” Asmus told her, clarifying that conditions of her release prohibit any contact with animals.

Police and animal control officials continue to investigate the deaths, with advocates stressing that the case highlights the severe risks of leaving animals confined in vehicles during warm weather. Even on seemingly mild days, interior temperatures can rise to lethal levels within minutes.

For animal welfare organizations and concerned citizens, this tragedy is a painful reminder of the vulnerability of pets and the importance of stronger protections to prevent similar incidents. The surviving dogs are now in safe care, but the case has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for accountability in animal cruelty cases.