Police officer smashes window to save distressed pups locked inside sweltering van

A police officer smashed a van window to rescue two pups which were left inside the vehicle on a scorching hot day.

The desperate dogs were left in the van outside an apartment complex near Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard in Las Vegas, USA, on May 26.

At the time of the rescue, it was nearly 37C (100F) outside and the interior temperature of the van was 43C (110F) degrees.

Bodycam footage shows officer Jennifer Williams from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) smashing the van's window using a police baton.

The owner had left pee-pads for the animals.

According to the LVMPD, it was later learned the intent was to leave the two dogs inside the vehicle for a long time.

The dogs were treated and taken to a shelter as the police investigation continues.

The LVMPD said in a post of social media: "With the excessive heat underway and even hotter weather over the next several days, we urge you to never leave pets or people in vehicles.

"We wanted to highlight the quick and compassionate work of LVMPD Northeast Area Command Officer Jennifer Williams.

"In late May, she responded to an animal call near Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood.

"She arrived at an apartment complex and found two dogs tethered and struggling inside a hot minivan.

"There are ordinances and laws protecting pets in extreme weather.

Pet owners are required by law to provide food, fresh water and cooling devices when the temperature exceeds 105 degrees.

"No animal can be tethered in the backyard during a National Weather Service heat advisory.

"It goes without saying leaving pets in a car—even for a couple of minutes—is a crime."