It's led to yet another reminder to pet owners to never leave pets (or people) in vehicles in hot weather as the internal temperature can become lethal in minutes.
Dangers of hot cars
This particular incident occurred in Las Vegas, where already scorching temperatures are expected to increase even more.
In a recent social media post, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) highlighted the swift and compassionate actions of one of its officers, Jennifer Williams from the Northeast Area Command, who came to the rescue of two desperate pups.
Responding to an animal distress call, Officer Williams discovered two dogs tethered inside a sweltering minivan. The outside temperature was nearly 38 °C, while the interior had reached a perilous 43 °C.
Body cam footage shows Officer Williams inspecting the vehicle, whose windows were closed. She attempts to locate the owner with the help of a passerby, explaining that she would break the windows if necessary.
Legal consequences for owners
Despite noticing a slight crack in one window, her attempts to force it down were unsuccessful, prompting her to break the window to rescue the panting dogs.
The dogs were immediately treated and taken to a shelter. The owner had left toilet pads inside, indicating an intention to leave them for an extended period. This incident is now under investigation. In Las Vegas, leaving pets in vehicles, even briefly, is a crime, and owners can face prosecution.
While it is not illegal to leave a dog in a hot car in the UK, owners are legally responsible for their pet's health and welfare. If a dog becomes ill or dies from being left in a hot car, the owner could be charged with animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, potentially resulting in a prison sentence and/or a fine.