Dog Dies in Hot Car in Fairfax County: Police

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- A 5-year old dog died Monday afternoon after being left inside a locked car Monday afternoon outside the PetSmart store in the Seven Corners area of Fairfax County, according to Fairfax County Police.

Temperatures were in the 90s with a heat index near 100 degrees outside Monday. Temperatures can reach 120 degrees inside a car when temperatures are in the 90s outdoors, according to PETA.

The region is under a Heat Alert Monday from the National Weather Service.

Police and fire personnel responded to the PetSmart located at 6100 Arlington Boulevard, around 12:23 p.m. for a report of the dog, a Puggle, a cross between a Pug and a Beagle, locked inside of the vehicle, police said.

Firefighters arrived and immediately determined that the dog was in distress, according to police. They entered the vehicle and attempted to cool the dog down but were unsuccessful.

The firefighters then transported the dog to a veterinarian’s office inside the PetSmart, where the dog was pronounced deceased.

The owner of the dog was identified as Megan Kurtz Campbell, 19, of Falls Church. Campbell was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty.

PHOTO of Megan Kurtz Campbell courtesy of FCPD

Watch a video here about hot car warnings: