WATCH: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office rescue dog left in hot car

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) is reminding pet owners to not leave their pets in hot cars after having to rescue a dog locked inside a silver van.

According to JCSO, animal control officers responded to the Ridge Recreation Center after witnesses called in a dog locked in a silver van. Officials say the dog had been left inside unattended for four hours. At the time, the temperature outside was in the 80s.

JCSO says the windows were closed and the doors were locked with no visible airflow in the vehicle. The dog was panting heavily and barking, and showing signs of distress while being in direct sunlight, according to officials.

The recreation center looked for the owner but couldn't find them and the vehicle had no plates. A JCSO deputy broke the window and animal control officers were able to rescue the dog.

The dog was taken to Deer Creek Animal Hospital, and was stable with a slightly elevated body temperature. The dog was later returned to its owner, JCSO says.

According to officials, the owner said the air conditioning had been left on but had turned off and stopped working. JCSO says the owner has been issued a summons for animal cruelty.

They are also reminding pet owners to never leave an animal in a car unattended, even if the windows are cracked.

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