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Chihuahua Puppy May Need New Home After Rescue From Hot SUV

LA PUENTE (CBS) — A young Chihuahua mix may need a new home after being rescued from a locked sport utility vehicle over the weekend.

Police were called about 11 a.m. Saturday to the 600 block of Ashcomb Drive in La Puente after passersby found a puppy panting inside the vehicle. The SUV was parked in the sun with its windows rolled up, said Evelina Villa, an official with the Department of Animal Care and Control.

The temperature that day was 75 degrees, but inside the vehicle it was closer to 100 when the puppy was rescued, she said.

The dog, dubbed "Mimi" by her rescuers, was suffering from dehydration when she was taken to an emergency clinic. The 1 ½-year-old dog is now being cared for at the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center.

mimi after bath
Mimi after a bath. (credit: Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control)

The puppy's owner, who could face criminal charges when an investigation into the case is complete, could face criminal charges and department officials are trying to locate him or her.

If Mimi's owners cannot be found, department officials say she will be available for adoption.

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