TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
A Department of Public Safety K-9 was rushed to a veterinary hospital after being left inside a hot car. The dog is now listed in stable condition.
It happened this afternoon at the DPS Tucson headquarters on South Tucson Boulevard, near Valencia road.
DPS says an officer switched into another vehicle, and later realized the dog had been left in the unit. It was about 98 degrees outside, and between 100 and 115 degrees inside the car.
The dog was in that unit for about one hour. Officers are not releasing the name of the dog but say it is a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois and a very valuable drug sniffing dog at the DPS. The dog's training may have been what saved its life.
"Because it was a professional working dog, he was acclimated to the temps in which he has to work," said Paul Blaushield, an animal control administrative hearing officer.
Paramedics were called to the scene after the dog was found in distress the K-9 was taken to a local vet.
DPS tells Tucson News Now, the dog did have a high temperature but was still alive when crews arrived at the scene.
Tucson police say they are in the early stages of the investigation and that no charges have been filed at this time.
"I could not believe it happened. It made me very, very angry to think all the money DPS invested in these dogs. You would think something like this would never happen. That dog should be their first priority," said Jill Wohlfiel, animal advocate.
"It's extremely tough. They love their dogs it's a tragic event for him," said officer Dave Hopkins, DPS spokesman.
In high temperatures animals can suffer from heat stress. If that happens here are a few steps to follow: Wet the dog with cool water or wet towels especially on its arms and belly. Never use ice cold water because that can lead to cardiac shock. Put the dog in front of a fan or AC and give him or her small sips of cool water.
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