Full Notification

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – June 13, 2019–  Animal Control Officers from Hollister Police Animal Care and Services  made entry to a vehicle to rescue two Pit Bulls left without food, water, or adequate ventilation in triple digit  temperatures.

On June 11, 2019 Animal Control Officers from Hollister Police Animal Care and Services responded to a call for two large dogs left unattended inside of a motor vehicle in San Juan Bautista. When the officers arrived on scene, they observed two large Pit Bull type dogs inside of the vehicle with an empty water bowl, and no access to food. Officers observed the vehicle in direct sunlight with windows slightly cracked. The temperature outside of the vehicle was noted to be 101 degrees. Animal Control Officers were unable to make contact with any potential owners.

As Officers were on scene, the dogs displayed signs of being in distress so they forced entry to the vehicle to rescue the dogs. With the assistance of the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol both dogs were safely recovered from the vehicle and immediately transported to the Hollister Animal Shelter where they were treated for symptoms of heat stroke. Both dogs are recovering well in the care of Hollister Police Animal Care and Services. The owner of the dogs was cited for leaving pets unattended in a motor vehicle.

Hollister Police Animal Care and Services would like to remind the public that leaving an animal in a vehicle on a hot day can quickly cause harm or death to a pet, and is against the law. If for any reason you need to leave your animal in a vehicle, please consider keeping them at home instead. If you see an animal in distress in a hot vehicle, call your local law enforcement agency immediately. Please be prepared to provide a license plate number, vehicle description, and the nearest address or location of the vehicle.