Dogs saved by police after being left inside van in 37C weather

Footage shows the shocking moment police had to smash a van window to rescue two dogs left inside on a scorching hot day.

The desperate animals were left in the vehicle outside an apartment complex near Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard in Las Vegas, on May 26.

At the time of the rescue, it was nearly 37°C outside and the interior temperature of the van was 43°C.

Bodycam footage shows officer Jennifer Williams from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) smashing the window using a police baton.

The owner had left pee-pads for the animals, and police said they intended to leave them there for a significant time.

The dogs were treated and taken to a shelter as an investigation continues.

The LVMPD said in a Facebook post: ‘With the excessive heat underway and even hotter weather over the next several days, we urge you to never leave pets or people in vehicles.

‘We wanted to highlight the quick and compassionate work of LVMPD Northeast Area Command Officer Jennifer Williams.’

The two dogs were found ‘tethered and struggling’ inside the oven-like minivan, it said.

Police highlighted the laws in place to protect pets when extreme weather hits.

The social media post continued: ‘Pet owners are required by law to provide food, fresh water and cooling devices when the temperature exceeds 105 degrees.

‘No animal can be tethered in the backyard during a National Weather Service heat advisory.

‘It goes without saying leaving pets in a car – even for a couple of minutes -is a crime.’

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