Boise police rescued a dog and a cat from the cargo area of a moving truck after a 911 call just after 6 p.m. on a 98°F day. Officer Yankovich forced entry and found both animals showing signs of dehydration and heat distress; investigators believe they had been confined for at least 20 minutes. The owners returned about an hour later and were charged with two misdemeanor counts of Carrying Animals in a Cruel Manner. The Idaho Humane Society took custody of the pets for veterinary care, and both are expected to recover.
Boise Officer Breaks Into Sweltering Moving Truck to Rescue Dog and Cat in 98°F Heat
Image Credit: Boise Police Department
Stopping at a truck stop during a long move is common — people grab a snack, stretch their legs or pick up supplies. But Boise police say leaving pets locked inside the cargo area of a moving truck on a near-100-degree day could have been deadly.
Just after 6 p.m. last Thursday, officers from the Boise Police Department responded to a truck stop on South Broadway Avenue after a 911 call reported a dog inside the enclosed cargo area of a parked moving truck. The outside temperature was about 98°F.
When the first officer arrived he could hear heavy panting from inside the truck. Concluding the animals were in immediate danger, he forced entry to begin a rescue. Officer Yankovich discovered two kennels in the cargo area: one containing a dog and the other a cat. Police reported that the truck’s interior was extremely hot and both animals were showing signs of dehydration and heat distress.
The officer started caring for the pets while additional responders contacted the Idaho Humane Society. Investigators say evidence indicated the animals had been confined inside the truck for at least 20 minutes before officers arrived. Bystanders who were at the scene brought water for the animals and stayed until responders took over.
The truck owners did not return until roughly 7 p.m., 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. The Idaho Humane Society took custody of the dog and cat for veterinary treatment, and officials say both animals are expected to recover.
Police Warning and Community Response
Boise police used the incident to warn how quickly vehicle interiors heat up. According to the department, when the outside temperature reaches 98°F the interior of a vehicle can exceed 115°F within 10 minutes and climb above 130°F in 30 minutes — even with windows cracked. Officers urged anyone who sees a child, pet or vulnerable adult left alone in a parked vehicle to report it immediately.
The community response was overwhelmingly supportive of the rescue. Many commenters praised Officer Yankovich for acting quickly and credited the witnesses who called 911 and provided water. The incident served as a reminder of the dangers of leaving animals in enclosed vehicles in hot weather.
Note: If you see a child, pet or vulnerable person left alone in a hot vehicle, call 911 immediately. First responders can advise and act to prevent heat-related injuries.
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