SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (WHBL) -- Hot summer temperatures are on their way, and Sheboygan Police are reminding people to not leave their pets inside of their vehicles unattended.
Even seemingly low temperatures can lead to hot conditions inside a vehicle which can quickly harm a dog. Sergeant Terry Meyer says police officers who respond to these calls use their best judgement on how to handle the situation. "The first thing its to try to locate the owner. If it's outside of a store, they'll contact the front desk to do a page or public address system to have the owner of the vehicle come outside so we don't have to damage the vehicle. However we would be concerned for the pet inside." If they can't find the owner, they may be forced to force the door open or even break a window to help that pet.
Meyer says that even the city's K9 units have special equipment to keep their dogs cool in the summer. "The air conditioning stays on, and if there's any problem with keeping the vehicle cool, the emergency alarm will set off and it will actually open the window to allow the dog out."
If in doubt of the temperatures, Meyer says the best thing to do is to simply leave your pet at home.
