Two dogs were rescued Saturday after becoming trapped in a locked truck in Okeechobee County when the vehicle’s automatic shut-off disengaged the engine and air conditioning, deputies said.

The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call and freed the animals, which were then taken for emergency treatment; both dogs were saved and made a full recovery, officials said. Three people were involved in the response, including deputies, the vehicle’s owner and veterinary staff who treated the animals.

Deputies arrived after the owner reported the dogs inside a vehicle that had turned off, and the situation escalated as the interior temperature rose. “We’re responding to a call in reference to a vehicle that has been off now for probably about half an hour. There is a dog inside of it, so we’re going to respond to the address and see if we can get ’em out,” a deputy said while officers were preparing to access the truck.

On scene, officers discussed forcing entry to reach the animals. “That dog’s in that type of condition over there laying down. Do you wanna bust the window out?” one deputy asked, and the owner replied, “Do it.” The deputy later added, “We may have to I know you got somewhere to put her. She’s hotter than hell,” reflecting the dogs’ stressed state on arrival.

After extraction, both dogs were transported to Okeechobee Veterinary Hospital, where Dr. GW Jarriel provided emergency treatment. Dr. Jarriel and the clinic staff stabilized the animals; officials reported that both dogs ultimately made a full recovery.

Vehicle safety systems that automatically shut off engines and air conditioning can leave interior temperatures climbing when pets are left inside; guidance on pet heat-stroke symptoms and emergency treatment from the American Veterinary Medical Association explains how quickly animals can deteriorate and why rapid veterinary care is critical.

The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office handled the rescue and coordinated with local veterinary staff to ensure the animals received prompt care. Okeechobee Veterinary Hospital treated the dogs following their removal from the truck, and both animals recovered fully, according to the office and hospital statements.

The incident underscores the role of first responders and veterinarians in animal welfare calls; deputies executed the rescue and veterinary personnel provided emergency treatment that officials say returned the two dogs to health. The two animals and the three people involved are accounted for, and there were no reported long-term injuries to the dogs after treatment.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.