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Downey, CA… A young Chihuahua puppy is
recovering nicely at the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA)
in Downey after being rescued from a small white Mazda hatchback in
the city of Pico Rivera this afternoon. SEAACA officers arrived at
the 5100 blk. Of Industry Ave. in Pico Rivera after passers-by
reported a small tri-colored Chihuahua panting inside a locked
vehicle. The puppy was apparently left inside the car for at least
four hours, raising concerns as the mid-day temperature rose to the
low 70’s outside. When officers arrived they immediately began
assessing the exigency of the incident, placing a thermometer
through the driver’s side window, which registered 102 degrees. “The
puppy was panting heavily and appeared lethargic,” said Captain
Aaron Reyes, director of operations for SEAACA. Officers were able
to “jimmy” a window without breaking it, thus able to rescue the pup
without delay. The new California state law, PC 597.7 (a
Misdemeanor), allows animal control officers to take immediate
action to rescue animals confined in a vehicle in dangerous
conditions. “This is first case using PC 597.7 for us this year, but
unfortunately it won’t be the last,” Reyes said. “It’s important to
know that temperatures inside of a vehicle can be 30+ degrees higher
than the outside temperature,” Reyes exclaimed. Criminal charges may
be filed in this case at the conclusion of the investigation. No
owner has come forth yet to claim the puppy.
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Animal
Law Enforcement & Rescue
