COSTA MESA, CA — First responders rescued a dog from a locked vehicle on Saturday after internal temperatures exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit during a period of warm weather.
A police cadet conducting parking duties initially located the occupied Tesla and notified authorities. An Animal Control officer and a police officer dispatched to the scene attempted to locate the vehicle’s owner. After those efforts failed, officers noted that the vehicle’s climate control system was off and broke a window to retrieve the small animal.
A tow truck was also dispatched to the location. The dog received immediate care and an evaluation from responding personnel, who determined the animal suffered no lasting injuries.
Following the incident, law enforcement officials issued a public advisory reminding pet owners that leaving animals unattended inside vehicles during high ambient temperatures presents severe physical hazards.
