Pedro the dog suffered brain damage after being left in a car whose internal temperature soared to 123F (51C). The pet remains critically ill in an animal hospita (Pictures: KDVR)

Harrowing police bodycam footage shows the moment a convulsing dog was found brain damaged after being let in a car during hot weather.

The little animal, called Pedro, could be seen suffering spasms after Lakeside Police Officer Dave Kornowski broke into the car in Lakeside, Colorado, on Tuesday afternoon.

He was rushed to a local veterinarian’s surgery after, where he remains critically ill.

KDVR reports that Pedro is suffering from ‘neurological issues’ from being left in his owner’s car so long, sparking fears he could end up permanently disabled.


Officer Kornowski said: ‘The dog couldn’t even bark, he was panting so heavy. His mouth was so dry, he couldn’t even control himself…’

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The police officer who rescued Pedro said he was too hot to do anything other than pant, and has lost control of his basic functions (Picture: KDVR)

Pedro was rescued from the parking lot outside this Walmart in Lakeside, Colorado. His owner complained about the damage to his car, then tried to flee the scene (Picture: KDVR)

The police officer said the call-out was one of the most distressing he’d ever attended.



Referring to Denver’s high altitude in the Rocky Mountains, he added: ‘People don’t realize we’re a mile high so we’re even closer to the sun.’

Temperatures in the Denver suburb rocketed to 90F (32C) that afternoon, and reached a blistering 123F (51C) inside the dog’s car.

Pedro’s owner approached the car after Officer Kornowski smashed its window, and started screaming about the damage caused.

He then got into the car and sped off.

Police gave chase and were able to arrest him moments later. It is unclear whether Pedro’s owner, who has not been named, will face any criminal charges.