Latest news with #NewSmyrnaPoliceDepartment
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
If you see a dog in a hot car in Florida, can you break the window? What to know
Florida is a great place for dogs, with several beaches that welcome your best friend to roam around and dog cafes, bars and parks in many coastal towns and cities. But while you're traveling with your furry friend, do not leave your dog locked inside a vehicle in the Florida sun, even for a short period. "When it's 72 degrees Fahrenheit outside," the Humane Society of America said, "the temperature inside your car can heat up to 116 degrees within an hour." Even sitting in a hot vehicle for a short time could mean irreversible organ damage or death. Last year, when the New Smyrna Police Department cracked the window of a U-Haul truck to rescue the heavily panting pit bull dog trapped inside, the temperature outside was 86 degrees, but "the temperature inside the vehicle was likely 100 degrees or more," the NSBPD's Facebook post said. This weekend, temperatures in the Sunshine State are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s across most of the state. What if you spot a dog trapped in a hot car? Are you allowed to smash a window? Here's what to know. Dogs regulate their body temperature by sweating through their paws and panting, and neither is effective in a hot metal box. Heatstroke in dogs is especially dangerous for breeds with short noses and flat faces, according to the American Kennel Club. That's pugs, boxers, bulldogs, Boston Terriers and French bulldogs (and pit bulls, although the AKC doesn't recognize that as a breed). "Due to their unique anatomy, these breeds are not able to cool themselves as efficiently because of inefficient breathing and panting," the AKC said. "Dogs that have had heatstroke before, obese dogs, and those with dark coats are also at higher risk for heatstroke." Have outdoor weekend plans? Expect heat, high heat. See the forecast across Florida Florida's animal cruelty definition also applies to anyone who "carries in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner." Violations mean first-degree misdemeanor charges, penalties and/or fines up to $5,000 for the first offense. Second and subsequent offenses get a mandatory minimum fine of $5,000 and at least six months in jail without the option of parole or any form of early release. If a dog is overheated and left untreated, it can be fatal. These are the signs of heat stress and heatstroke in dogs, according to the AKC. Heavy, frantic panting Dehydration Body temperature over 105.8 degrees and your dog feels warm to the touch Excessive drooling Bright red gums Rapid or irregular heart rate Vomiting Seizures Muscle tremors Lack of coordination (ataxia) Unconsciousness If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, get them somewhere cool, provide cool water and call your veterinarian immediately. You can run cool water over them or put a cool wet towel on their body. If you see a dog locked inside a car, check first to see if it is in distress. Is the air conditioning on? Just a cracked window may not be enough in Florida. Is the driver nearby, or can they be quickly found? Has the dog been there for longer than a few minutes? Don't immediately assume a dog in a car is in trouble, the owner might already be running back. If the dog is clearly suffering and the owner cannot be located, call 911 or a nearby law enforcement officer for help and forcibly enter the vehicle if instructed to do so. Be sure to have a leash, belt, purse strap, or other way to secure the dog once you've freed it. Florida law protects people who break into vehicles to rescue pets or vulnerable people from harm from liability for damages as long as: There's no way for the pet or person to get out They have a reasonable belief that the pet or person is in imminent danger of suffering harm They have contacted law enforcement or 911 either before or immediately after breaking in They use no more force to do so than is necessary to remove the pet or person They remain with the pet or person in a safe location near the vehicle until law enforcement or a first responder arrives This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida heat: Law allows you to break windows to rescue dogs, sometimes
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Police investigating gas station shooting between 'familiar' rival motorcycle gangs in Volusia County
The Brief The New Smyrna Beach Police Department is actively investigating a shooting between what they say are "familiar" rival motorcycle gangs in Volusia County. The shooting took place earlier today at a RaceTrac gas station in the 3000 block of State Road 44, reports show. Two people were injured in the shooting, officials confirmed. Police said the injuries appear to be non-life-threatening. Officials are asking the public to avoid the area at this time. The incident currently remains an active investigation. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - The New Smyrna Beach Police Department is actively investigating a shooting between what they say are "familiar" rival motorcycle gangs. The shooting took place during daylight hours at a gas station in a well-populated area of Volusia County. What we know The shooting took place earlier today in the 3000 block of State Road 44 at a RaceTrac, reports show. Chris Kirk, interim police chief for the New Smyrna Police Department, said the shooting happened when a fight broke out between the gangs near the gas station's air pumps. Two people were injured in the shooting, officials confirmed. However, police said the injuries appear to be non-life-threatening. Kirk said the gangs fled from the gas station before law enforcement arrived. Kirk stated that the police department is already familiar with both of the rival biker gangs. Police have confirmed the motorcycle groups were in town for Daytona Bike Week, which started Feb. 28 and runs through Sunday. "This isn't reflective of the overall biker population," Kirk said. "We have extra people on staff for Bike Week, and we will continue to have people on staff." The Volusia County Sheriff's Office is also assisting with the investigation, a spokesperson said, although the New Smyrna Beach Police Department is the lead investigative agency. Other agencies helping include the Edgewater Police Department; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. "Obviously, something in the middle of the day like this is worst-case scenario for us, with bystanders and heavy beach traffic," Kirk said. "Thankfully, it appears that anyone who wasn't involved in the incident was not injured." What we don't know Police have not yet said what led to the shooting between the two groups. Kirk said one suspect has been detained, but no official arrests have been made. It is currently unclear how many people were involved in the fight. Officials say the incident remains an active investigation, and they are asking the public to avoid the area at this time. The New Smyrna Police Department is asking anyone with information on the shooting to call (386) 424-2220. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department on March 8, 2025, as well as information collected during an interview FOX 35's Stephanie Buffamonte did with Chris Kirk, interm police chief for the New Smyrna Police Department, on March 8, 2025.
