Lecce police rescue dog left in hot car

Police in Lecce rescued a large dog that had been left inside a car during the intense August heat. The incident occurred in the city center around 2:30 PM after a passerby alerted authorities to the animal's distress.

Despite the use of a sunshade and slightly lowered windows, temperatures inside the vehicle became life-threatening. Officers from the Squadra Volante attempted to contact the owner via vehicle records but received no response. The ASL veterinary service and a technical inspector were called to the scene to assist.

The owner returned to the vehicle approximately two hours later, around 4:40 PM. Following the rescue, the owner was reported to judicial authorities for the crimes of animal abandonment and mistreatment. Additionally, the dog was found to lack a microchip and regional registry, leading to an immediate on-site application of the device and a fine. The vehicle was also subject to administrative seizure because it lacked mandatory insurance coverage.