The summer is almost here, and many of us are looking forward to the warm weather. But as temperatures soar, it’s more important than ever to be alert about dogs in hot cars.
While leaving a dog unattended in a vehicle is never a good idea, leaving them in a car on a warm day can be extremely dangerous. Dogs are very susceptible to heat stroke, and the high temperatures of a vehicle can be deadly. PETA, who keeps track of heat-related dog fatalities, says that 31 dogs died last year.
Luckily, more and more people are on alert about dogs left in hot cars, taking actions like calling the police — or simply breaking a window themselves — before the dog succumbs to heat stroke.
That was the case this week, when Sarasota Police Officers responded to a call about a dog left in a hot car, and bodycam footage captured the urgent rescue.
Onlookers called the police when they discovered the pit bull was left in a locked car, which was completely turned off, with no air conditioning or even a rolled-down window to provide the slightest relief to the dog.
An officer looked at the dog and said he was “starting to go down.”
With all the doors locked, the officers resorted to shattering the car’s rear windows to free the dog.
The dog, apparently unharmed and described as “playful,” was taken from the vehicle and taken into the officers’ care.
They took the temperature inside the car, and discovered the dog was left in 115 degree heat.
According to the Saratoga Police Department, the dog’s owner was found and claimed he had left the car running. He was issued two citations by Animal Services.
While the dog survived the ordeal unharmed, the police shared the story as an urgent warning to keep dogs safe this summer.
“PLEASE DON’T LEAVE PETS IN HOT CARS,” they wrote. “Always remember to look before you lock for pets, children and elderly loved ones.”
It’s unbelievable that people still leave their animals in hot cars after so many tragedies, but luckily this dog was saved just in time.
Keep your animals safe this summer and be vigilant about animals left in cars! Share this important reminder!
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