'Idol' auditions marred by animal cruelty

A man has received a misdemeanour summons for animal cruelty after his dog died in a hot car at an American Idol audition day.

Quincy Vanderbilt, 24, left his pet terrier in his vehicle as he accompanied his girlfriend inside the Mile High Stadium in Denver, where she tried out for the hit Fox show.

According to police, the man did not roll up the windows of his car and the canine passed away as temperatures outside reached 90 degrees. The tragedy was reportedly discovered when Vanderbilt returned to check on the dog after nine hours.

Police spokesman Sonny Jackson commented: "Most people don't realise how hot it can get in a parked car on a balmy day. However, on a 78 degree day, temperatures in a car parked in the shade can exceed 90 degrees - and hit a scorching 160 degrees if parked in the sun."

Sgt. Aaron McSpadden of Denver Animal Care and Control added: "In the summertime cars act almost like an oven. Best advice - don't bring your dogs with you in temperatures like this. It's just a death box."

It is currently unknown whether Vanderbilt's girlfriend progressed to the next stage of American Idol following her audition.