A dog trapped in a hot locker meant for valuables was rescued this weekend at one of Germany’s most recognizable tourist attractions — and authorities say criminal charges are now in motion against the animal’s owner.
The incident took place at Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale Bavarian fortress nestled in the Alps near the Austrian border. According to Reuters, the dog’s owner locked her pet inside one of the site’s storage lockers — typically intended for stashing bags or strollers — despite it being a hot summer day and despite warnings from other visitors not to do so.
The small space was already partially occupied by a stroller, and temperatures inside it were hot. Still, the woman allegedly shut her dog in and proceeded to take a castle tour. Security staff were alerted, and they managed to unlock the compartment and free the animal.
“The dog was fortunately unharmed but visibly glad when it was rescued from the already hot locker,” police in the nearby town of Fuessen said, according to Reuters. Officers brought the dog — a medium-sized mongrel about two feet tall — to the local police station after the ordeal.
Criminal proceedings have since been initiated against the woman on suspicion of violating Germany’s animal welfare laws.
Neuschwanstein Castle, built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century, draws more than a million visitors annually. But in the heat of summer, both tourists and their pets can face serious health risks — especially when left in enclosed or unventilated spaces.
Authorities have not released the name of the woman involved. The dog, for now, is safe; police took the animal to the station following the troubling incident.