Students at a Florida high school say they caught their teacher in an act of animal cruelty.
According to Lee County Domestic Animal Services, Mathew Emans was spotted putting a puppy in his car's trunk while he taught classes.
Investigators say two students at Gateway Charter High School happened to see Emans take the puppy out of the car and then put the Staffordshire Terrier into the trunk and walk away.
A school resource officer tracked Emans down and ordered him to open the trunk, where the five-month-old puppy was found alive. It was panting heavily and in need of water.
According to the News-Press, investigators determined the temperature in the trunk was about 97 degrees, the temperature inside the car was found to be over 150 degrees.
Emans has given up ownership of the puppy and it was put up for adoption by animal services.
The 28-year-old teacher is facing animal cruelty charges, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
He reportedly told investigators he planned on having the puppy in the trunk for just a few hours while he was at work.
