Dog left in SUV during Hurricanes game sparks conversation over how law enforcement can respond

It started when Christina Jarvis spotted the dog in an SUV with the windows down. Jarvis shared concerns on social media about the dog being left alone for hours in warm temperatures.

"The windows were kind of half-down in the front and back, but there was not water from what I could see," said Jarvis.

Jarvis said when she spotted the dog, she wanted to help it. WRAL found the owner of the dog to be Brent Barringer, a member of the Centennial Authority board, which oversees the arena. Barringer said he would periodically come out from the game and check on the dog.

"I notified three separate Raleigh officers that were walking around, and they said because they windows were down they couldn't do much," the woman explained.

The temperature outside on Tuesday night was 76 degrees when the game ended after 11 p.m.

"I was trying to coax his little head out of the window," Jarvis said. "He was a very good dog."

Dr. Jennifer Federico, a veterinarian with Wake County Animal Center, said all pet owners should use 70 degrees as a baseline. Otherwise, the inside of cars can heat up to temperatures not safe for animals.

Frederico said even if you're going for a quick store run with the windows down, don't leave dogs in the car when the heat index is at 70 degrees or warmer.

"Being in the evenings, you're not dealing with the sun, but that can give you a false sense of security and get you in a situation where they not be able to recover from," said Frederico.

"If that dog looks to be in distress: panting, drooling or any signs of heat stroke, somebody might break your window and try to save your dog," said Frederico.

Frederico added that if a dog seems distressed, normally someone would call animal control, who will determine if the animal is in trouble.

"If the animal is in distress, we'll take it to an emergency clinic and get them the help they need to be treated for heat stroke," she said.

That situation could lead potentially lead to animal cruelty charges, according to Frederico.

Barringer said during the game, he would come out, check on the dog and walk it.

"Figure out or rearrange your day so you don't have them with you. That's the safest way to go," she suggested. "Think about your pets. They have fur, they can't open the door and get out. It isn't worth the risk for our pets to do that."

"It is cruelty," said Frederico. "You cannot leave your pet in the car. It would be the same as if you left your pet outside locked in a crate and they got heatstroke. We see that sometimes in summer."

Frederico added that the safest thing for any pet this time of year is to leave them at home.