CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officials are warning animal owners to not leave their furry friends in vehicles as temperatures warm up.
Animal Control got its first call Friday about two dogs inside a car that was running for several hours.
“We had a couple yesterday,” Officer William Brenner said. “A couple the day before.”
Brandy Alexander said she left her two dogs inside a car in Steele Creek with the air conditioning on for a short time.
“I didn't know it was illegal to leave the dogs in the car, even if the air condition is on,” she said.
Brenner gave her a warning.
He said that even with the AC on, it can be dangerous for pets because the temperature inside a vehicle rapidly rises.
CMPD officers are authorized to go inside vehicles if they decide an animal is in immediate danger.
“If we can somehow jimmy it, or if we have to, we can break a window,” Brenner said.
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