Groton — A husband and wife were arrested today after police said they left their eight-year-old shepherd mix in their car for an extended period of time, resulting in the dog's death.

Heidi D. Hunter, 21, and Gabriel Hunter, 22, of 20 Wilson Lane, were each charged with cruelty to animals.

The Groton animal control officer and town police began its investigation on July 9. Police said the dog was left in the car more than 12 hours on July 7 into July 8 when Connecticut was experiencing a heat wave.

Both were released on a promise to appear in court and were given a court date of Sept. 6 in New London Superior Court.

A police source said that Heidi Hunter is a veterinary tech at the Naval Submarine Base.

Police want to warn pet owners of the dangers of leaving their pets unattended in cars, especially during the summer months.

Anyone who sees an unattended pet in a car is asked to report it either to the animal control officer at (860) 441-6709 or police at (860) 441-6712.