KINGSTON - A Rochester man was arrested at Carriage Towne Plaza yesterday on a charge of animal cruelty for leaving his 110-pound Great Dane in the car in the heat, according to police Chief Donald Briggs.

About 15 people went store to store looking for the owner, Benjamin Jenness, yesterday afternoon before calling police. The group then stood around in the heat as police attempted to get the dog, Rosie, out of the car.

The department's door-opening tools didn't work because of safety features on the car, so Briggs said they had to smash a window to get the Great Dane out. Rosie jumped right out after Briggs put a blanket down so she wouldn't cut herself on the broken glass.

At the time it was 87 degrees outside and more than 100 degrees inside the car, which was parked in direct sunlight. Jenness, 27, of Portland Street, had left the windows cracked, but it wasn't enough.

"The dog was starting to feel the effects of the heat as a result of being left in the very hot car," Briggs said.

Police took Rosie to the shade of some nearby trees and gave her water while they waited for Jenness to return to the car.

He was surprised to be arrested after finishing lunch at one of the plaza's shops, but later realized how dangerous it was to have left Rosie in the car, according to Briggs.

Jenness was released on $1,000 personal recognizance and is due in court at 8 a.m. Aug. 27.