On May 2, 2017 San Rafael Police personnel came upon a dog that was in distress in a parked vehicle on Fourth Street. The temperature was 88 degrees and the temperature inside the all black vehicle was 156 degrees. Dexter was rescued by Mental Health Outreach Provider Lynn Murphy with an assist from Officer Buffy Paxson. Marin Humane Society responded and transported Dexter to the emergency veterinarian where he was given fluids.
Every year, dogs suffer and die when their guardians make the mistake of leaving them in a parked car—even for “just a minute”—while they run an errand. Parked cars are deathtraps for dogs. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 100 and 120 degrees in minutes; and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
Anyone who sees an animal in a vehicle on a warm day is asked to contact the local police or sheriff agency.