Dogs should never be left in the car on a mild day, even with the windows cracked and in the shade. The temperature inside the car quickly rises and becomes life-threatening in a matter of 10 minutes. 

It is even worse on hot days. Most states allow police officers to break a window if they find a dog in distress.

That is exactly what a Newport Beach Police Department Animal Control Officer did when he discovered a locked car with windows cracked and five dogs in distress. 

He observed that the dogs, some locked in crates, were showing signs of heat stroke and knew he needed to act fast to save them. A call was placed to a tow truck company to unlock the doors while the officer attempted to open the doors on his own. When that didn't, work he smashed a window and immediately removed the dogs. 

They were taken to a local vet to be treated. The police department shared, "After being rescued, the five dogs were evaluated by a veterinarian and found to have body temperatures at a level that can be deadly for dogs." 

This officer is a hero and saved these dogs just in time. 

The rescue video from his body camera was shared on Facebook where they urged pet owners to leave their pets at home on hot days, never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, and call for help if you see an animal in distress. 

"Our Animal Control Officers are there when moments matter, protecting the community’s two- and four-legged residents." 

Some states have a "Good Samaritan" law that allows citizens to break car windows to save pets, but they must first call 911 or animal control. Learn what your state allows and more here. 

Animals need us to be their voice, so please speak up when you see a distressed or neglected animal.