TORRINGTON, Conn. — An increase in the number of dogs being left in hot cars is concerning dog lovers and city officials in Torrington alike.
“How [are] you going to do that? Imagine you sitting in that car,” said dog owner, Edward Seger of Torrington.
During the recent heat wave, the Torrington Regional Animal Control said it got too many of these calls. The group took to Facebook to educate residents on the dangers of leaving a dog inside a vehicle amid scorching temperatures. Working with patrol officers of the Torrington Police Department, animal control also increased its patrolling.
“Unfortunately, it is a huge problem. I think people are seeing that,” said Torrington Police Patrol Officer Hannah Yabrosky. “Our animal control officers are doing a great job at patrolling parking lots that are kind of known for it.”
Edward Segar says he’s seen it happen at the Stop and Shop parking lot on at least two occasions. Though temperatures have cooled for now, the risk remains during the summer heat. “Even if you’re going to be out of the car for a brief, five-ten minutes again if that car is not running and even if it’s in 70-degree weather, it can get very hot inside those cars,” said Yabrosky.
Yabrosky works with the Torrington Police Department’s Therapy dog, Addison. Since Addison accompanies her on most calls, Yabrosky’s police cruiser is equipped with a heat sensor and cooling fan. If the internal temperature of the vehicle were to get too high, the heat sensor would trigger the car’s emergency lights and sirens, alerting Yabroksy to attend to Addison.
Police advise that if you lack a car with that kind of technology, keep your pet at home. If you do notice a dog in distress, Yabroksy said, “That’d be a situation where you want to contact your local animal control or police department. We will respond. Stay with the vehicle, and if the animal is in serious distress, it’s best to call us.”
When asked about any instances of children being left in hot cars, Yabrosky said there have not been any reported incidents so far this summer in Torrington.
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Kaelee Collins is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at kcollins@fox61.com. Follow her on X, and Instagram.
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