Houston Man Arrested After Yorkie Rescued from 120° Car in Walton County

Houston Man Arrested After Yorkie Rescued from 120° Car in Walton County / Photo Credit: Walton County Sheriff's Office

Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published June 1st, 2025

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WALTON COUNTY, FL – A Houston man faces animal cruelty charges after his Yorkshire Terrier was rescued from a sweltering vehicle on Scenic Gulf Drive Saturday, where internal temperatures reportedly reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office responded to multiple reports on Saturday, May 31, concerning a small dog locked inside a hot car for approximately an hour. Deputies found the vehicle was not running and its windows were only slightly cracked.

Using a lock-out kit, deputies managed to open the vehicle and retrieve the distressed Yorkie. The dog was immediately given water. Bodycam images appear to show an officer tending to the small dog shortly after its rescue.

Houston Man Arrested After Yorkie Rescued from 120° Car in Walton County / Photo Credit: Walton County Sheriff's Office

Investigators contacted the number on the dog's collar, and a short time later, Andy Matute Villatoro, 26, of Houston, Texas, arrived at the scene. Villatoro, who stated he had been at the beach, was subsequently placed under arrest for animal cruelty. A mugshot provided appears to be that of Villatoro.

Walton County Animal Services also responded and recorded the temperature inside the vehicle, which registered a dangerous 120°F. Officials stress that even on an 85°F day, the interior of a car can exceed 100°F in under 10 minutes, quickly becoming a death trap for animals. Such conditions can lead to heatstroke, brain damage, or death.

The Sheriff's Office reminds the public that leaving an animal in such conditions is not only inhumane but also illegal. Villatoro was given a $1,000 bond and was reportedly still incarcerated at the time of the information's release.

What to do if you see a dog in a hot car: The Walton County Sheriff's Office advises citizens to:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Provide location and vehicle details.
• Wait for emergency services to arrive.

"We're here if you need us," the Sheriff's Office stated, emphasizing their commitment to animal welfare.

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