Cops Break into Car to Rescue Tiny Chihuahua. Dog Was So Frozen She Couldn't Bark
Cars often represent a wonderful way to hang out with our canines. And frequently, a favorite furry friend can be a fantastic travel buddy — taking in fascinating new sights, barking at fellow pet passengers, and sniffing the intriguing aromas wafting by.
Most pet owners are well aware of the welfare dangers vehicles pose in warmer weather.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has noted that even on relatively mild spring days, internal car temperatures can climb upwards of 100 degrees within an hour.
But the Canidae website also reminds pet parents that cold weather can pose serious hypothermia risks as well. Pets who are small, frail, and/or older may be particularly susceptible — even when the outdoor temperature is a relatively tame 50 degrees.
This may be why social media is expressing vocal concern over a tiny Chihuahua named Mary.
The dog was discovered alone in a New York car recently, following an interval when a notoriously frigid “bomb cyclone” weather pattern had descended across the East Coast.
According to reports, Manhattan police broke into a car to rescue the diminutive dog as temperatures dipped precariously to approximately 10 degrees. The American Kennel Club (AKC) indicates that most Chihuahuas typically top out at weights of roughly 3 to 6 pounds.
Officials left a note for the dog’s owner, explaining that the petite pooch could be picked up at the precinct. Those at the scene expressed worry for the animal’s well-being.
“The dog was in such a shock and freezing, he didn’t bark,” one witness told media outlets. Describing the rescuing officer, this witness noted that the canine “got as close as possible to the jacket of the officer to look for warmth.”
News reports indicate that the dog’s owner, Haoyang Chen, was arrested. Charges involved illegal confinement of an animal in a vehicle.
Chen, who said he adopted Mary with his girlfriend in December, maintained that police overreacted by forcing open the vehicle’s door. He claimed that the dog’s shaking was due to her fear of strangers.
Mary was given to Animal Care and Control. However, Chen said that he intends to get the dog back.
Manhattan cops were forced to break into a car to rescue
a shivering Chihuahua that had been left locked inside
amid -10 degree temps in Soho over the weekend.The dog’s owner, Haoyang Chen was Arrested & Charged
on Sunday with illegal confinement of an animal in a vehicle. pic.twitter.com/tMI2aLjrRP— RTE for 261Lw (@Campaign261Lw) January 8, 2018
This story certainly highlights the concerned vigilance of strangers when it comes to canines.
Depending upon where you wind up in your travels, also remember that certain actions concerning pets in cars could merit anything from a simple citation to a full-blown felony charge.
Michigan State University College of Law has posted a convenient online table that provides an overview of various state regulations.
It’s a worthwhile reminder for every pet owner to appreciate what’s hazardous for companion animals — while also understanding what’s illegal.
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