Owner Leaves Pup In Hot Car: RivCo Sheriff Issues Public Advisory

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A little dog that was left unattended inside a stifling hot car was rescued by a good Samaritan this week, and its owner was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department alerted the public to the incident ahead of a heat wave that is expected to see temperatures rise well above 100 degrees across the region.

According to the sheriff's department, the little pup "was heard yelping from inside of a vehicle. A passerby immediately became concerned for the dog’s well-being as it was approximately 99 degrees outside at the time.

"After realizing the dog was not moving and in distress, he rescued the dog from the vehicle and rendered aid. The puppy, Boomer, was placed inside an air conditioned patrol unit when Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived. Deputies noted the internal temperature of the vehicle to be 130 degrees."

After the owner was arrested, Boomer was handed over to Ramona Humane Society to be cared for, the department said.

Given the high heat expected over the next several days, the sheriff's department is reminding residents that temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach more than 120 degrees within minutes, even with the windows partly opened on a cloudy day.

"Exposure to such high temperatures can quickly kill a person or pet. A body temperature of just 107°F may cause brain damage or death from heatstroke," the sheriff's department warned.

Horses and livestock are also susceptible to difficulties from hot weather.

Daytime high temperatures in the Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass Area are expected to near 120 degrees over the next several days, while the mercury will exceed triple digits throughout much of the rest of the county.

"Animals cannot explain their needs, so it is up to people to ensures that their needs are met, especially during periods of extreme or prolonged heat," the sheriff's department said.

A California law signed off in 2016 by then Gov. Jerry Brown allows good Samaritans to smash windows and break into a vehicle in order to save an animal from a hot vehicle, provided several conditions are met.

The conditions include checking to ensure the car cannot be opened; observing the animal is suffering harm, or is in immediate danger; calling law enforcement; remaining with the animal until first responders arrive; and not using more force than necessary during the rescue.

If the steps are followed, the good Samaritan is protected from criminal prosecution.