On May 27, Lt. M. Gardiner was in the area of the Post Office in Leonardtown recently when he heard a dog barking fromย inside of a vehicle.

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Gardiner located the vehicle with an 11 week old pit bull puppy inside.ย 

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The puppy’s owner wasย located working inside a nearby business.ย 

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The animal warden responded and took custody of the puppy.

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The temperature inside theย vehicle was 117 degrees at the time the puppyย wasย taken outย of the vehicle.

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Charges are pending against the owner.

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Sheriff Tim Cameron and the men and women of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office believe in responsible pet ownership.

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Please remember animals are not able to sweat like humans.

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If they only have overheated air to breathe, animals can collapse, suffer brain damage, and potentially die of heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Even with the windows down, itโ€™s too hot!.

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If you love your pets, please leave them at home.