Knoxville, TN- On Monday night, Knoxville Police along with Animal Control Officers responded to the parking lot on Jackson Avenue in the Old City, where two small dogs had been left inside of a car with no water and the windows only slightly cracked. It was around 85 degrees outside and the internal temperature of the car was measured at well above 90 degrees. Thankfully, the dogs were safely removed from the car and were ok. The owner, meanwhile, was misdemeanor cited for cruelty to animals.

The KPD stated, “It is extremely dangerous, and even potentially deadly, to leave your pet in a hot car. Heat stroke or organ failure can happen in a matter of just minutes. Take care of your pets and don’t leave them in an unattended parked car for any amount of time.”