Dog left in a hot car while owners dined at IHOP

ARIZONA -- While an out-of-town couple stopped for a bite to eat, they left their dog in the car. Now they could be facing charges.

Police rushed to a valley IHOP restaurant after receiving a call about a dog left in a hot car Thursday near Central and Virginia Avenues.

Officers went inside the restaurant to find the dog's owners, who say they thought cracking the truck's windows would be enough to keep the canine cool.

"It's Phoenix and we all know it's very hot -- for anyone that may be traveling --it doesn't take long for the interior of the car to get very hot and that can cause distress to an animal very quickly, so don't not leave your pets or your children for that matter, inside of a vehicle even for just a few minutes," said Adam Jeremiah of the Phoenix police.

The dog was given water and officers say it's expected to be fine.  Its owners however, face possible animal abuse charges.

No names were released in this case.

(MyFoxPhoenix - July 26, 2012)