Tragic Loss: Portsmouth Dog Succumbs to Heatstroke in a Locked Car
On a sweltering Sunday in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a beloved dog met a tragic end after its owner left it unattended in a scorching hot car for hours.
Susan Weillbrenner, the 52-year-old owner, was arrested at the scene and faces charges of animal cruelty. Her Terrier mix, locked inside the vehicle with the windows sealed, had succumbed to the unbearable heat.
According to the Portsmouth NH Police Department, officers were alerted to the incident at a shopping center parking lot. Upon arriving, they discovered the unresponsive dog inside the car. Tragically, it had already passed away.
“The outside temperature was in the mid-70s, but the internal temperature of the vehicle had skyrocketed to 125 degrees,” the police report stated. “A small bowl of food and a paltry amount of water were found on the rear passenger seat.”
The dog’s remains were transported to a veterinary hospital for a necropsy, while Weillbrenner was released on her own recognizance. She is scheduled to appear in court on July 17, 2023.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a dire reminder of the devastating consequences of leaving pets unattended in closed vehicles, even on seemingly mild days. As the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warns, the temperature inside a car can rise rapidly, putting pets at a severe risk of heatstroke and even death.
Dogs, unlike humans, cannot sweat to regulate their body temperature effectively. Instead, they rely on panting and drinking water to cool down. When trapped in a hot car, they can quickly overheat and suffer from a range of symptoms, including panting, drooling, vomiting, seizures, and ultimately death.
It’s crucial for pet owners to be aware of the dangers of leaving animals in parked cars and to take the following precautions:
* Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, regardless of the outside temperature.
* Park in the shade or under a protective cover if possible.
* Leave the windows partially open to allow for ventilation.
* Carry a portable fan or cooling mat for your pet’s comfort.
* Never leave your pet in a car for more than a few minutes, even if the engine is running.
If you witness a dog or other pet in a locked car on a hot day, take immediate action:
* Call 911 and the animal control authorities.
* Try to find the owner and alert them to the situation.
* If possible, break a window or use a tool to unlock the door to provide ventilation.
* Pour water on the animal’s body and head to cool them down.
Remember, every minute counts in these situations. By being vigilant and taking the necessary precautions, we can prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
