On September 14, authorities arrested a 61-year-old man, Roel Omar Vallejo, on the 4800 block of Odem Drive in a case of suspected animal cruelty. The arrest was made after police responded to a distress call concerning a dog left inside a parked vehicle with its windows rolled up.
Dog Found in Critical Condition
According to the police report, officers were called to the scene when a concerned individual reported seeing a dog inside a U-Haul truck. Upon arrival, officers discovered the dog lying on the floorboard of the passenger side, struggling to breathe. A responding officer explained, “Both windows were up, and the vehicle was off.”
Recognizing the immediate danger, the officers sprang into action. They opened the U-Haul, carried the distressed dog out, and attempted to cool it down using a nearby water hose. Shockingly, the dog had a rope tied tightly around its neck, a makeshift leash that had caused visible abrasions.
The situation was dire, with the dog suffering from heatstroke. Officers on the scene described its breathing as complex, and it showed signs of severe distress.
Owner’s Explanation Raises Doubts
Vallejo, the dog’s owner, emerged from the house and attempted to justify his actions. He claimed the dog had only been in the U-Haul for five minutes. However, police officers quickly pointed out a significant inconsistency in his story. “This call was made 31 minutes before officers arrived,” one officer remarked, suggesting the dog had been trapped in the overheated truck far longer than the owner claimed.
The dog was then rushed to a nearby animal hospital for emergency care. Officials reported that its condition remained critical, and it was highly probable that it would not survive the heat exposure.
Arrest and Charges
Roel Omar Vallejo was arrested on charges of animal cruelty. In addition, he was charged with failure to identify as a fugitive and had two outstanding warrants for previous offenses.
This incident is a tragic reminder of pets’ dangers when left in hot vehicles. Even a short period in a parked car can lead to heatstroke, brain damage, or death for animals.
The Dangers of Leaving Pets in Hot Cars
The Humane Society of the United States emphasizes that pets should never be left inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside cars can quickly soar to deadly levels. According to experts, a car’s internal temperature can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit within minutes, even if the windows are partially open.
Pets left in hot cars risk suffering from heat stroke, brain damage, or suffocation. The Humane Society urges people to act if they see an animal trapped in a vehicle.
How to Help a Dog or Cat Left in a Hot Car
Here are the steps you can take if you encounter an animal in danger inside a hot car:
- Take down the car’s make, model, and license plate number.
- Notify nearby businesses and ask them to announce to locate the car owner.
- If the owner cannot be found, call the local police or animal control and stay with the vehicle until help arrives.
- Under certain conditions, good Samaritans can legally remove animals from vehicles in some states. Be sure to know your local laws and follow the required steps.
This tragic case serves as a reminder to pet owners not to leave their pets in parked cars, even for a few minutes.