Hot Car Campaign
With summer temperatures climbing, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to take precautions to protect pets from the potentially deadly consequences of being left in parked vehicles.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can rise to over 100°F within 10 minutes, even on a mild day with the windows cracked. Within 30 minutes, it can reach 120°F or higher, placing pets in extreme danger of heatstroke, organ failure, or death.
“Each year, we respond to calls about animals left in vehicles,” said Sheriff Matt Ward. “We want to remind the public that it only takes a few minutes for a vehicle to become overheated, even if the outside temperature doesn’t feel extreme.”
In Virginia, it is a violation of state law to confine an animal in a vehicle in a manner that endangers its health or safety. Law enforcement officers are authorized to remove animals from vehicles if they are found to be in distress.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who sees an animal in distress inside a vehicle to act quickly by calling 9-1-1. Officers are trained to assess the situation and take necessary action, which may include removing the animal from the vehicle and pursuing charges against the owner.
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office offers the following safety tips:
- Leave pets at home when running errands – It’s the safest place for them during warm weather.
- Never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.
- If you must travel with a pet, ensure someone stays in the car with them and the air conditioning is running.
- Spread awareness, educate friends, family, and neighbors about the risks.
“This is an entirely preventable danger,” Sheriff Ward said. “With a little extra planning, we can all help protect the lives of our pets.”
Second week of Camp LEO showcases community collaboration
BOCO Camp LEO wrapped up its second and final week, capping off another successful year of learning, leadership development, and law enforcement engagement for youth in Botetourt County. What made this week especially memorable wasn’t just the activities, but the incredible teamwork that helped overcome unexpected challenges.
Severe weather early in the week caused damage to portions of the camp facilities. However, thanks to the ongoing support and flexibility of Camp Eagle, campers were still able to participate in meaningful activities in a safe and engaging environment. Despite the disruption, the full Camp LEO curriculum was completed, ensuring that students received the full benefit of the program.
The success of the week was made possible by quick action from community partners who stepped up with little notice:
- Altec generously opened its doors to campers on short notice, offering an informative tour and providing memorable take-home items.
- The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office Court Services Unit, along with Judge Joel Branscom and Clerk Tommy Moore, arranged a last-minute tour of the courthouse and took time to speak with campers about the judicial system.
- Roanoke Skate Center provided a fun-filled afternoon of skating, laser tag, and pizza, accommodating the group with very little advance notice.
- Cave Hill Dairy hosted campers for an interactive farm experience, ensuring a successful visit despite the threat of storms.
The week’s accomplishments were a clear reflection of what can be achieved when a community comes together. The Sheriff’s Office staff expressed deep appreciation for every individual and organization that contributed to making the experience a success.
As planning begins for next year’s camp, the Sheriff’s Office is proud of the continued growth of Camp LEO and the strong community support that surrounds it.
~ Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office
