“Temperatures can rise really quickly when animals are enclosed in a vehicle,” said Nina Stively, the director of Loudoun County Animal Services.

Its office is warning the public of the dangers of leaving animals in the car after two dogs died in a vehicle after being left there for an extended period of time.

Manuel Ovando, 34, is alleged to have left “Charlito” and “Bella,” two mixed-breed dogs, ages 3 and 5, in an unattended vehicle in June, on a day when temperatures exceeded 80 degrees outdoors, according to Loudoun County Animal Services.

Ovando has been charged with a Class 6 felony for the deaths of the two dogs. Conviction is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500, according to the office.

“Tragically, they were not able to recover from the heat ex

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