As summer approaches and temperatures rise, it’s crucial to protect our pets from the heat, as they are highly vulnerable to heat stroke.
Every year, hundreds of dogs are left in hot vehicles, and tragically, many do not survive. However, thanks to the swift actions of police officers, some are rescued just in time.
Such was the case recently when officers saved a dog left in an overheating U-Haul in Florida, while its owners were enjoying the beach.
On June 2, the New Smyrna Beach Police Department in Florida received a call about a dog trapped in a U-Haul truck for nearly an hour.
At the time, the temperature was 86 degrees outside, and it was undoubtedly even hotter inside the vehicle, likely surpassing 100 degrees.
The U-Haul was not parked in the shade, and the owners had not left any water for the dog. The windows were only slightly cracked, and worst of all, the owners had gone to the beach, leaving their poor dog to suffer in the heat.
Bodycam footage shows the responding officers providing the dog with some desperately needed water through the window crack, which he eagerly drank:
The police department reported that the dog was soon safely removed from the vehicle and taken to the Southeast Volusia Humane Society. Charges were also filed against the dog’s two owners.
In a statement, the New Smyrna Beach Police Department reminded everyone, “Never leave an animal or a child alone inside a vehicle, even for a short period. It could be deadly. Thank you to the vigilant person who noticed the dog in the car and reported it so we could help.”
It’s common knowledge that leaving a dog in a hot car is dangerous, but sadly, there are still many incidents like this every year, with some resulting in fatalities. According to PETA, 163 animals died in hot cars in 2023, while another 855 were rescued.
The ASPCA warns that leaving a dog in a closed car is hazardous, even if you crack the window or park in the shade. Temperatures can rise rapidly, jumping from 85 degrees to 120 degrees within just 30 minutes.
While no one should ever leave their dog in a hot car, it’s especially disheartening when owners lock their dogs up just so they can enjoy themselves. In this instance, and in a recent case where puppies were left in a hot car while their owner dined at Disney Springs, leading to one of the puppies’ death, it’s inexcusable.
It’s heartbreaking that this dog was left in a hot U-Haul on such a scorching day, but we’re thankful he was saved in time, and that his owners are facing the consequences.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the vigilant bystanders and the responsive police officers who acted swiftly to save this dog’s life.
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