Dogs rescued from hot SUV in Wareham, owner cited

WAREHAM, Mass. — A Wareham Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) officer rescued two dogs from a hot SUV Thursday afternoon.

Police were called to a shopping plaza the area of 15 Gault Road around 4:45 p.m.

The officer said the windows of the SUV were opened about two-inches. The person who called police told the officer the dogs were in the car for around 40 minutes. The caller had the owner paged inside the store.

Using a thermometer, the officer determined the shaded areas inside the SUV were between 96 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The surface temperature of the dogs registered between 100 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

The officer was able to free the dogs from the gap in the window. The dogs were hot to the touch and panting heavily, but not showing any extreme signs of distress.

Shortly after the officer took the temperature readings, the owner returned to the SUV.

The officer cited the owner with ‘Chaining or tethering dog to stationary object; confinement; restrictions; penalty’ which carries a maximum fine of $150.

“This is a very serious issue and we continue to see this same practice by pet owners no matter how much we try to push awareness,” WDNR said. “WDNR is committed to a zero tolerance policy for animals left in vehicles under these conditions and you will be held accountable for your actions.”

Cox Media Group