NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — New Smyrna Beach police officers rescued a dog left Tuesday inside a U-Haul by its owners for nearly an hour.
While the owners went to the beach, the temperature outside at the time was 86 degrees, meaning the temperature inside the U-Haul was likely 100 degrees or more, the New Smyrna Beach Police Department said on Facebook.
Police learned that the owners left no water for the dog before heading out, according to the department. Body cam video from the rescue shows the windows of the car cracked only slightly while the dog, panting rapidly, peeks its snout over the window to receive water from an officer.
"You like us, huh?" An officer can be heard saying to the dog.
The dog was safely removed from the U-Haul and transported to the Southeast Volusia Humane Society, New Smyrna police said on Facebook. Charging affidavits have reportedly been sent to the State Attorney's Office for both owners.
"Never leave an animal or a child alone inside a vehicle, even for a short period," the police department said on Facebook. "It could be deadly. Thank you to the vigilant person who noticed the dog in the car and reported it so we could help."
How are hot car incidents handled in Florida?
With temperatures in the Tampa Bay region expected to remain in the low to middle 90s this week, leaving a child or pet in a hot car, even for a short time, could prove to be deadly.
Leaving a child or pet inside a burning car is a criminal offense in Florida, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV). Those who violate this law will be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $500.
If the child is injured, the violation becomes a third-degree felony, according to FHSMV. Seven hot car deaths were reported in 2023, with the youngest child being 10 months old.
Recently, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill designating the month of April as “Hot Car Death Prevention Month" to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving children in unattended cars.
Also, current Florida law allows people to break car windows to rescue children or animals in distress. State law also requires childcare vehicles to have alarms in them that prompt the driver to search the vehicle for children before exiting.
