Protecting Pets and Children: Wheat Ridge Police Intervene to Prevent Tragedies in Overheated Spaces

As temperatures soar, law enforcement and health experts are sounding the alarm on the dangers of leaving kids and pets unattended in hot cars. In recent weeks, the Wheat Ridge Police Department has stepped in twice to rescue dogs left alone in scorching conditions, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance and action to prevent these preventable tragedies.

Safeguarding Lives: Wheat Ridge Police Respond to Distressing Incidents

Rescuing a Pit Bull Mix from a Sweltering Trailer

In June, Wheat Ridge police officers were called to save a pit bull mix that had been left alone in a scorching trailer. Upon entering the trailer, they found no water and no air conditioning running, putting the dog's life at risk. The investigation into this case is ongoing, and the owner has been issued a notice of violation for inhumane treatment and animal cruelty under the city's municipal code. Fortunately, the dog was rescued in time and has since been adopted out, thanks to the swift action of the Wheat Ridge Police Department.

Intervening to Save a Shih Tzu from a Hot Car

Just a week later, the Wheat Ridge Police Department responded to another call about a dog left in a hot car. Passersby had alerted the authorities after someone had left their shih tzu behind in the vehicle while they went into a nearby business. The owner was given a stern warning and a written notice by the officers, who take these cases extremely seriously.

The Dangers of Leaving Pets and Children in Overheated Spaces

According to Wheat Ridge Police Department spokesperson Alex Rose, even a few minutes in a hot car can be potentially deadly for both pets and children. "Cars heat up really quickly," Rose said, explaining that they can heat up by as much as 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, and the temperature will continue to rise after that. This can be especially dangerous for children, whose body temperatures can rise five times faster than an adult's, making even cooler summer days a concern.

Raising Awareness and Promoting Safety

Britney Lombard, the Injury Prevention Manager at Children's Hospital Colorado, emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and taking immediate action if a pet or child is left in a hot car. "It could happen to anybody, because our brains are really bad at multitasking," Lombard said, urging parents and caregivers to make a habit of checking the back seat every time they exit the vehicle.The Colorado Department of Transportation reports that seven children have died from heatstroke in cars in the past 25 years, though thankfully, there have been no such incidents in the past decade. However, with hot temperatures expected to continue, Lombard and the Wheat Ridge Police Department are urging the public to remain vigilant and to call for help immediately if they witness a pet or child in distress.

Empowering the Community to Intervene Safely

While a Colorado law provides immunity for people who enter a locked vehicle to help an at-risk person or animal, the Wheat Ridge Police Department advises the public to call them directly for assistance. "At the end of the day, if you see something like this happening, give us a call. Don't take it upon yourself, because this is what we're paid for. This is what we are trained to do. We have the tools and the knowledge to be able to handle these situations in a safe way," said Rose.By working together and staying vigilant, the Wheat Ridge community and law enforcement can help prevent these tragic and preventable incidents, ensuring the safety and well-being of both pets and children during the hot summer months.