Authorities issue warning to never leave pets, children alone in hot cars

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. - The Riverside County Sheriff's Department issued a warning on social media after a small dog was left alone in a very hot car on Tuesday.

According to the department's Facebook post, on Tuesday afternoon, "A small dog was heard yelping from inside of a vehicle. A passerby immediately became concerned for the dog’s well-being as it was approximately 99 degrees outside at the time. After realizing the dog was not moving and in distress, he rescued the dog from the vehicle and rendered aid."

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"The puppy, Boomer, was placed inside an air-conditioned patrol unit when Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived," officials said.

Deputies said the internal temperature of the vehicle was 130 degrees.

Authorities urge "as a reminder, to  NEVER leave children or pets alone in a vehicle for even a moment.

Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach more than 120°F within minutes, even with the windows partly opened on a cloudy day. Exposure to such high temperatures can quickly kill a person or pet. A body temperature of just 107°F may cause brain damage or death from heatstroke."

The owner of the dog was located and arrested for animal cruelty, officials said.

Boomer was taken to the Ramona Humane Society.

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