A Colorado deputy moved quickly to save a dog after it was left trapped inside a locked van in warm weather for nearly four hours, WFLA reported.
The incident was recorded on video later shared by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
Here's what to know
At a recreation center parking lot, a Jefferson County Sheriff's Office deputy and Animal Control Officers responded to a concerned citizen's call.
Witnesses reported that a dog had been left inside a silver van with the windows shut, the doors locked, and no visible airflow, according to WFLA.
With temperatures outside over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the dog had reportedly been in the vehicle for nearly four hours. The animal was said to be panting heavily, barking, and showing signs of heat distress while in direct sunlight.
Video of the response showed the deputy breaking the passenger-side window so that Animal Control Officers could safely remove the dog.
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The pet was then taken to a nearby animal hospital, where veterinary staff found it to be stable, with only a slightly elevated body temperature.
As WFLA reported, the dog was later returned to its owner, who told authorities the van's air conditioning had been left on but appeared to have stopped working.
The owner was served with a summons for an animal cruelty charge.
More background
Even when outside temperatures do not seem especially extreme, the inside of a vehicle can heat up quickly, particularly in direct sunlight and without ventilation.
Heavy panting, barking, and visible distress can all be signs that a dog is overheating.
A person in the parking lot noticed the dog and reported it, prompting the response.
The deputy ultimately chose to damage the van in order to protect the animal.
What can be done?
Leaving animals unattended in a vehicle can be dangerous even if the air conditioning is running or the stop is expected to be brief.
If a cooling system fails, a locked vehicle can become hazardous in a matter of minutes, leaving pets with no way to escape or cool themselves down.
If an animal appears to be in distress inside a parked car, contacting local law enforcement or Animal Control immediately can help speed the response.
"Thank you for helping this dog!" one viewer wrote on Jefferson County Sheriff's footage also posted to Instagram.
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