The Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office says this is a reminder of the dangers of hot cars for both pets and people.
HOUSTON — A dog is recovering after being rescued from a hot car in downtown Houston, according to the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.
Constable Alan Rosen said it happened late last week. Deputies responded to La Branch Street after someone flagged them down about a dog trapped inside a car that was parked in direct sunlight. Even though the windows were slightly lowered, conditions inside the vehicle had become extreme.
“The dog was slobbering everywhere and really, really in a desperate situation. Somebody left the dog in the car while they went inside to go to court. This is not something that is legal. This is not something that is going to be tolerated. Thankfully, we had a citizen that saw this and took action,” Rosen said.
Rosen said a bystander called deputies who arrived shortly to get the car out of the car.
Officials said the dog, a Husky mix, had been inside the car for around two hours. By the time help arrived, the animal was panting heavily, drooling, and pacing back and forth. The heat inside the vehicle had climbed to 113 degrees, with the roof of the car measuring 120 degrees. The windows were coated in dried slobber, a sign of prolonged distress.
“Had the quick-acting citizen not reacted, the dog probably would have died,” Rosen said.
Rosen said the citizen who reported the incident “set events in motion” for a deputy from downtown patrol and the Houston Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or Houston SPCA, to take action.
The dog is now in the care of the Houston SPCA and is reported to be doing well.
“The dog was very, very fortunate. Things could have gone south very, very quickly,” Houston SPCA VP of Communications Julie Kuenstle said. “Almost every single year, we’ve had a couple of these cases where we’ve discovered deceased animals, or we’ve confirmed they have died from heat distress, and it could have been preventable, and that’s what the most frustrating thing is.”
An investigation by Harris County Precinct 1 is underway. At this point, it’s not been determined if charges will be filed.
Officials are using this instance as a warning as temperatures rise. Even with windows cracked, cars can quickly become dangerously hot, posing serious risks to both animals and people, especially young children.
“This is a perfect time to remind people that summer is upon us and you have to think and you have to be responsible,” Rosen said.
Rosen said there are simple things people can do to remind themselves that their pet is inside their vehicle, including:
-Placing a note on your rearview mirror
-Putting an alarm on your phone
-Keeping your phone in the back seat where your pet is
Anyone who sees a person or pet trapped in a hot car is urged to call 911.
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