Police have arrested a 48-year-old woman in the Athens suburb of Vari after she left her dog locked inside a car for approximately four hours during extreme heat.

The incident came to light after a passersby alerted police to a dog that appeared to be in severe distress inside a parked vehicle. Officers arrived at the scene and found the animal trapped in the car without adequate ventilation. To rescue it, they were forced to smash one of the vehicle’s windows.

The dog was immediately taken to a nearby pet shop, where it received first aid. Thanks to the prompt intervention, its condition improved and its health was stabilized.

The 48-year-old owner was arrested and later appeared before the relevant authorities. A criminal case has been opened against her on charges of animal abuse.