Pinellas County, Florida, made headlines recently when deputies rescued a small dog left in a hot car on a scorching summer day. The incident occurred on August 2, when a concerned citizen called the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) to report a dog left in a car at the parking lot of a courthouse.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies found the doors locked and the windows rolled up. Inside the vehicle, they saw a small dog panting heavily and in distress. The temperature outside was 88 degrees, and it was estimated that the dog had been left in the car for about 30 to 45 minutes, causing the interior temperature to soar to around 120 degrees.
In a dramatic moment captured on body cam video, deputies smashed the rear window of the car to rescue the dog. The deputy can be heard reassuring the frightened animal, saying, „You’re ok, baby,“ as he opened the door and comforted the dog.
After being freed from the hot car, the dog was given water in the back of a patrol car while deputies searched for the owners. The owners were eventually located inside the courthouse and admitted to leaving the dog in the car. They were subsequently arrested for animal cruelty.
The dog was then taken to Animal Control for further assessment and care. The PCSO emphasized the importance of not leaving pets in hot cars, stating, „Thankfully, this pup turned out ok, but there are way too many situations where that isn’t the case.“
Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated one. Just a few weeks prior, officers in Bradenton were called to rescue a dog left trapped in a U-Haul on a sweltering day. These cases serve as a reminder of the dangers of leaving pets in hot vehicles and the legal consequences that can follow.
As a community, it is crucial to be vigilant and proactive in protecting animals from harm. If you see a pet left in a hot car, do not hesitate to contact authorities immediately. Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our furry friends.
