A call about a dog reportedly left inside a vehicle for nearly a full day turned out to be more complicated than it first appeared.
Portsmouth police were dispatched to Grandview Avenue around 10 a.m. after a caller reported a dog had been left inside a black Chevrolet Impala for almost 24 hours.
The caller also reported the vehicle appeared abandoned, had no license plate, and was parked near Sonora.
🐶 OWNER FOUND
After officers arrived, a woman came to retrieve the dog.
According to the report, she told officers the dog belonged to her boyfriend and explained that the couple is currently homeless.
Police did not report finding the dog in distress and took no enforcement action.
Instead, officers advised the woman about local resources that may be available to help.
⚠️ WHY CALLS ABOUT DOGS IN CARS ARE TAKEN SERIOUSLY
Animal welfare advocates warn that vehicles can become dangerously hot in a surprisingly short amount of time.
Even on mild days, temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly.
Signs of heat distress in dogs can include:
- Heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Collapse
In severe cases, heatstroke can become fatal.
👀 HOMELESS PET OWNERS FACE UNIQUE CHALLENGES
Animal welfare groups note that many people experiencing homelessness have pets and often view them as family members.
Unfortunately, finding safe places for both people and pets can be difficult.
Some shelters and assistance programs offer pet-friendly services, but availability varies by community.
In this case, officers determined no further action was necessary after speaking with the woman and assessing the situation.
What started as a possible animal cruelty complaint instead became a reminder that not every call is exactly what it first appears to be.