Jennifer Beals Confronted For Leaving Dog In Car, Addresses Criticism

Actress Jennifer Beals was confronted Wednesday when she left her dog in her vehicle while picking up dry cleaning in West Vancouver, B.C. Beals has since released a statement to address the incident.

Jennifer Beals Leaves Dog In Parked Car

Beals, the Flashdance and The L Word actress, had left her German Shepherd in a dark-colored Ford Escape when she stepped into the nearby dry cleaners, reported Canada’s Global News. A passerby saw the dog in the SUV just before noon, and decided to call the authorities to report the incident. When Beals returned to her car, the man confronted the actress, who told him that her dog was fine.

After the story regarding her dog began to go viral, Beals decided to release a statement to defend her actions, citing her dedication to her dogs and the cool day on which the high temperature was in the mid-70s.

“I have loved dogs my whole life. They’ve been in my life since the day I was born. Every dog I’ve had has been a rescue. I’ve worked with dogs in obedience, agility and shepherding training. I am not only a loving dog owner but a discerning one,” Beals said in her statement. “I, and others, were wearing jackets. I rolled all four windows down and left the car for five minutes to pick up laundry, my car was visible to me the entire time.”

“I wondered why two people were congregated by my car taking pictures of my girl. Proud mama thought it was because she’s so gorgeous,” Beals added. “While I appreciate their vigilance and what must have felt like courage on their part, they were barking up the wrong tree.”

Beals has been filming her TV show Proof in Vancouver. In the series, she stars as brilliant surgeon Dr. Carolyn Tyler, who wants to prove that there’s life after death.