A man was arrested after authorities said he left a dog in a hot car on Wednesday outside the Johnston County Courthouse.
According to the Smithfield Police Department, officers were called around Wednesday about reports of a dog trapped in a vehicle. When they arrived, they found the dog, a bulldog, was locked in the car without water and unable to cool itself except for a window cracked less than an inch.
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Much of North Carolina has been under a heatwave this week. Wednesday was the first 90-degree day of the year in North Carolina, and the state is experiencing drought conditions that are expected to last through the summer.
After officers rescued the dog from the car, they arrested the dog's owner, William Hill, as he was waiting for a hearing inside the courthouse and charged him with animal cruelty.
What to do if you see a dog in a car
In the state of North Carolina, you can be charged with animal cruelty if your pet dies while in a hot car. In some counties, you can be fined just for leaving your pet in a hot car for a short time.
Dogs, similar to people, can easily get heat-related injuries and illnesses if you're not careful. Here are some signs of heat exhaustion in a dog:
- Heavy panting
- Drooling
- restlessness
- Bright red or very pale gums
- Lack of coordination
According to the American Kennel Club, there are some things to consider if you see a dog in a car:
- Is the dog showing physical signs of being in immediate danger?
- Is the air-conditioning on, or is the vehicle otherwise ventilated?
- Is the dog in the shade, in a spot that is not experiencing significantly rising heat?
- Is the driver present or perhaps standing nearby? In some cases, the pet's owner may have been locked out and is waiting for a locksmith.
- Is there a law enforcement officer at the scene or did another person already call for help?