CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- During Tuesday's extreme weather -- when temps hit a 100 degrees -- dogs were few and far between at Barker Field.
Genevieve Rowley, owner of the chocolate lab Celly, was one of few at the park to let her dog get out her puppy energy.
Rowley said she's extra cautious about the high temperatures even when it comes to her dog being outside. She said one thing she would never do is leave her dog in a hot car.
"That's absolutely horrible," said Rowley.
Robert Leinberger, an animal control officer for Chesterfield County said that in times extreme heat they see an uptick in calls for service for dogs being left in the car.
"I can't imagine why you would want your dog to be in that situation," said Rowley.
Leinberger demonstrated just how hot a car can get by using an infrared thermometer to measure the surface temperature.
We cracked the windows of the CBS 6 car, and just minutes later the temperature in the back seat reached 112 degrees.
Since June 1, three people have been cited for leaving dogs in hot cars, according to Chesterfield Police. There have been seven incidents in Henrico.
Police say you can receive an animal neglect or animal cruelty charge for leaving a dog in a hot car, which could result in jail time or fines.
