So imagine you’re walking along in a blazing-hot parking lot on one of the sweltering summer days we’ve been experiencing. It’s 90 degrees out, and the sun is beating down on you, and you just can’t wait to get to your car and blast yourself with the A/C.
But along the way, you notice something: a truck sitting quietly, the windows opened slightly, with a dog sitting in the driver’s seat panting and panting and in obvious distress. What would you do? I think anyone with a heart would come to the same conclusion: help the dog.
That’s exactly the situation a woman in Cornelius, North Carolina found herself in. And what happens next is totally infuriating.
@insideedition Suzanna Vella says she was leaving the gym in Cornelius, North Carolina, when she saw a dog in what she says was in obvious distress while in a pickup truck in a parking lot on a hot day. Vella called 911, but she says she couldn’t wait for police to arrive, so she took matters into her own hands to rescue the dog. She went to open the door of the truck, which was unlocked and gave the dog water. 10 minutes later, an officer showed up. Turned out, her good deed landed her in hot water. #news #dog #dogsoftiktok #dogs #pets #hot #heat #nc #northcarolina #police
So, the dog is obviously suffering. The woman does everything she reasonably can to find the owner of the dog, including searching the closest fast food restaurant for them. Eventually, out of desperation and worry, she tries the car door, and surprise: it’s unlocked.
Related: Cops in Ohio are Now Carrying Hammers to Rescue Dogs Trapped in Hot Cars
No need to break a window. No drama. No damage done. The woman gives the poor dog water. The dog is clearly grateful, drinking like an absolute madman.
And then a cop shows up.
And instead of recognizing the trouble the dog was in or thanking the woman for stepping up, he berates he. Full-on lecture mode. Telling her she had no legal right to open the door, even though it was unlocked. Even though the dog was in clear distress. Even though it was probably 110 degrees in the car!
Let’s not forget the dog! Are they doing ok? We have no way of knowing how long they were in the car. From the video, it’s hard to see if there are worsening signs of heatstroke, but the officer should be more focused on the animal’s well-being than the legalities of opening a car door.
Related: Dog Rescued from Indiana State Fair Parking Lot in Extreme Heat
Instead of checking on the animal or celebrating someone who showed basic, human decency, Officer Power Trip gets right up in the woman’s face, acting like she committed grand theft instead of what she actually did: prevent a potential tragedy. (And, as someone who has seen dogs succumb to heat stroke, it is one of the most horrific sights you can witness not to mention *actually* experience.)
The actual owner finally shows up, doesn’t say a word, and just leaves. Doesn’t want to press charges, doesn’t even seem concerned.
Thankfully, the police department is now looking into possible animal cruelty charges against the owner and is questioning whether the officer’s behavior was appropriate.
It’s a sad day when a person who is showing empathy and kindness toward an animal in dire circumstances is chastised aggressively for their behavior. This woman deserves thanks, not lectures. I truly hope the department steps up, holds the right people accountable, and gives this woman the credit she deserves for doing what everyone else would have done: help the dog.