Orange County Animal Services issues warning against dogs in hot cars

Three dogs found in hot cars over 72 hour stretch

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County Animal Services issued a warning to the public on Wednesday about leaving their dogs in hot cars after they said they rescued three dogs from hot cars in a 72-hour time span.

[PICS: Dogs found in hot cars ]

Money, a male Maltese, was left in a Nissan owned by Shawanda Pierce at Disney's Animal Kingdom on Saturday. The dog was unable to stand and was showing signs of distress. Money was reportedly observed in the car for more than four hours before he was rescued. Money was impounded at the shelter then reclaimed after two days, where they issued his owner a $265 citation for neglect.

Simon, a male Maltese was observed in a truck at Target on Town Center Boulevard. The temperature in the truck was approaching 130 degrees when he was rescued and taken to Animal Services. His owner, 41-year-old Britton Ortize, was returned Simon the next day with a $265 citation for neglect.

Lulu, a female Yorkie, was found after getting reports of her being trapped in a car at the Florida Mall. She was showing signs of distress as the windows were closed and no water available.  Owner Jimena Chica was arrested after she shopped at the mall for an hour.

"In this weather it is completely unacceptable to leave a pet in the car," says Dil Luther, division manager of Orange County Animal Services. "Thankfully in these situations the pets were able to recover, but we won't always be as fortunate if the trend continues."

Animal Services says temperatures will put the pet's life in danger, regardless of whether or not the windows are cracked. They urge all pet owners to leave their pets at home or to find boarding options for them if need be.


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