There are plenty of reasons to stop at a truck stop during a long move. Grabbing a snack, stretching your legs, or picking up supplies are all perfectly normal parts of the trip.
Leaving your pets locked inside the back of a moving truck in nearly 100-degree heat, however, is a decision that Boise police say could have turned deadly.
According to the Boise Police Department, officers responded to a truck stop on South Broadway Avenue just after 6 pm last Thursday after receiving reports that a dog had been left inside the cargo area of a parked moving truck. By the time officers arrived, the outside temperature was around 98 degrees.
When the first officer reached the truck, he could already hear heavy panting coming from inside. Believing the animals were in immediate danger, he forced his way into the vehicle to begin the rescue.
Dog and Cat Rescued as Owners Face Animal Cruelty Charges
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Officer Yankovich quickly discovered two kennels inside the enclosed cargo area containing a dog and a cat. Police said the interior of the truck was extremely hot, and both animals were showing signs of dehydration and heat distress.
The officer immediately began caring for the pets while additional responders contacted the Idaho Humane Society. According to investigators, evidence indicated the animals had been trapped inside the truck for at least 20 minutes before officers arrived.
The owners did not return to the truck until approximately 7 pm, about an hour after the initial 911 call. Following an investigation, both individuals were charged with two misdemeanor counts of Carrying Animals in a Cruel Manner.
Police Warn How Fast Vehicles Turn Deadly in Extreme Heat
The Idaho Humane Society took custody of the dog and cat so they could receive veterinary care. Fortunately, officials say both animals are expected to recover.
Police also used the incident to remind the public how quickly temperatures inside a vehicle can become dangerous.
According to the department, when the outside temperature reaches 98 degrees, the inside of a vehicle can climb to more than 115 degrees in just 10 minutes and exceed 130 degrees within 30 minutes, even if the windows are cracked.
Officials also thanked the residents who called 911 and the bystanders who brought water for the animals before additional officers arrived, urging people to immediately report children, pets, or vulnerable adults left alone inside parked vehicles.
Commenters Weren’t Buying the Owners’ Explanation
The overwhelming majority of commenters applauded the responding officer for forcing entry into the truck and rescuing the animals, while expressing disbelief that anyone would transport pets inside the enclosed cargo area of a moving truck in the first place.
Many also questioned the owners’ reported explanation that they had gone inside to get ice for the animals. Several pointed out that they weren’t carrying any ice when they returned, with one commenter sarcastically writing, “Went in to get ice… Notice how neither of them had any ice in their hands?” Another added, “Went to get ice for the dogs yet came out with zero ice.”
Many praised Officer Yankovich for taking immediate action, with one commenter saying they were glad the officer “didn’t hold back” and another calling his arrest command the best part of the video.
Others also credited the witnesses who reported the situation, with several reminding people to always check parked vehicles if they suspect an animal may be trapped inside. The overall sentiment was one of gratitude that someone spoke up before the situation became even more tragic.