WARNING: The following article mentions and/or discusses topics that may be distressing for certain audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office recently made a significant development in the case of puppies left at Disney Springs, which devastated the Disney community earlier this year. Following a distressing incident, an arrest warrant affidavit has been issued on serious animal cruelty charges.
This action stems from allegations against Wilson Nieves Cortes, a 39-year-old Puerto Rican man, who reportedly left his four puppies unattended in a sweltering car while enjoying dinner with his family at the popular entertainment complex. Now, Cortes gives a shocking defense for this action.
Related: Disney Resort Guest Leaves Four Puppies Trapped in Hot Car; Only Three Survive After Rescue

Man Leaves Four Puppies in Hot Car; One Dies
On May 4, 2024, Cortes made a deadly mistake when he chose to leave four puppies in a car on a hot day. Cotes reportedly purchased the puppies earlier that day, and he intended to bring them back to his home in Puerto Rico shortly after making a stop at Disney Springs.
After receiving a call, police arrived at the car to find four puppies in distress. One puppy was found in an extremely bad state, prompting officers to send the baby animal to an animal Hospital at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. The incident report says:
“On 05/04/2024 at approximately 1800 hours, I, Deputy Leon responded to 1800 E Buena Vista Dr (Lime Garage) in reference to multiple dogs in a vehicle. Upon arrival, I made contact with Reedy Creek Fire Department paramedic Joey Gagliano who advised the following:
Joey stated on the above mentioned date at approximately 1730 hours they received a call in reference to multiple dogs inside of a black Mazda CX-5 in the Lime garage at Disney Springs. Upon arrival he noticed all 4 windows slightly cracked at which time he utilized a door lock tool to unlock the front passenger door. Joey advised once he unlocked the vehicle he opened the rear hatchback and discovered 4 puppies in the rear of the vehicle. Joey stated one puppy was slightly inside of a duffle bag, 1 puppy had the duffle bag handle around its neck and was slightly unresponsive, the other 2 puppies were sitting up, panting. Joey advised the puppy that was slightly unresponsive was put onto the stretcher and placed in the back of the ambulance for evaluation. Joey advised he did not take an internal temperature of the vehicle and the other 3 dogs seemed okay. When asked if Joey could complete a sworn OCSO written statement he advised he was unable to due to him “watching the dogs”.
The puppy that had the duffle bag handle around its neck was transported to the Animal Kingdom Animal Hospital by Reedy Creek Fire Department for further evaluation. It should be noted prior to Reedy Creek’s departure I observed the dog breathing while lying on the stretcher.”

Police Claim Defendant “Showed No Signs of Concern for the Animals.”
According to the details disclosed in the affidavit, Wilson Nieves Cortes attempted to justify his actions by assigning blame to the lack of fast-food options within Disney Springs. This rationale was given for his decision to leave his defenseless puppies neglected in the confines of the parking garage. The affidavit says:
“Wilson stated on today’s date he arrived to Orlando from Puerto Rico to purchase the 4 puppies. Wilson advised after purchasing the puppies he wanted to make a quick stop at Disney Springs to buy his wife and 2 son’s food before flying back to Puerto Rico. Wilson stated he walked inside to find a “fast food” “to go” style restaurant due to the dogs being in the vehicle. Wilson stated he walked around Disney Springs and noticed mostly all of the establishments were restaurants and his intention was to not sit down anywhere and eat. Wilson stated he located Blaze pizza at which time he waited in line for a short period of time. Wilson stated when he noticed the line was not moving fast enough he decided to leave Disney Springs and walk back to his vehicle. Wilson stated he parked inside of the parking garage intentionally due to there being plenty of shade and it not being hot for the puppies. Wilson advised he cracked all 4 windows on the vehicle for the puppies and his intention was to not be on property long, due to them having a flight tonight back to Puerto Rico. Wilson completed a sworn OCSO written statement.”

Cortes’s reaction raises red flags for many animal lovers who find the situation disturbing. With one of the puppies dying from the situation, many people hope Cortes receives justice for his cruel actions.
Such negligence towards the well-being of the puppies has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the responsible ownership of pets in public spaces. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and welfare of animals, especially in bustling areas like Disney Springs, where temperatures get extremely hot in the summer.
This post originally appeared on Disney Dining.