Owner Leaves Dog In Back Of Hot Pickup In Annandale Area

ANNANDALE, VA—A dog owner was cited after leaving his pet in the back of a hot pickup truck without water Wednesday in the Annandale area.

Around 10:02 a.m., a witness reported the dog alone in the back of the pickup truck without water at Home Depot, 6555 Little River Turnpike. Fairfax County Police say the dog was exposed to full sunlight. A heat advisory was in effect beginning at noon with heat indexes reaching 100 degrees.

Animal Protection Police arrived and watched the dog for over an hour without the owner returning. Shortly after, police took the dog into custody, and the owner returned.

Kinga Bullert-Niesen, 33, of Annandale, was issued a summons for cruelty to animals. A veterinarian evaluated the dog and determined it was healthy.

Fairfax County Police urge residents to call 911 if they see a dog in a hot car. According to Virginia code, law enforcement officers, firefighters or animal control officers "who in good faith forcibly enters a motor vehicle in order to remove an unattended companion animal that is at risk of serious bodily injury or death" are not liable for property damage to the vehicle.

Image via Shutterstock