Dog Rescued After Nearly Four Hours Trapped In Hot Van In Colorado

Jefferson County, Colorado – Animal Control Officers Clark and Duplan responded to The Ridge Recreation Center after witnesses reported a dog locked inside a silver van. The dog had been left unattended for nearly four hours while temperatures outside were in the 80s. The windows were closed, the doors locked and there was no visible airflow. Bodycam footage shows the dog panting heavily and barking while sitting in direct sunlight. Recreation center staff searched nearby facilities and made announcements, but the owner could not be found. The van had no license plates. A JCSO deputy broke the passenger-side window, allowing officers to open a door and safely remove the dog. Animal Control Officer Rivera placed it in an air-conditioned vehicle and took it to Deer Creek Animal Hospital. Veterinary staff found the dog stable, with only a slightly elevated body temperature. It was later returned to its owner, who said the van’s air conditioning had been left running but apparently stopped working. The owner received a summons for animal cruelty.