The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is investigating after a drug-detecting K-9 died in a trainer's hot car last week.
The trainer found 2-year-old Totti in his car after realizing he had accidentally left the Drug Interdiction K-9 in the car for two hours. Temperatures outside were in the mid-80s at the time, according to the National Weather Service.
The trainer and other staff hosed down Totti, a yellow lab, and used ice in an attempt to cool him. He was conscious when they took him to a local veterinarian clinic, according to the Department of Corrections, but he later died.
The dog was found outside the state prison at Rockview, near Bellefonte, The Associated Press reported.
Corrections spokeswoman Amy Worden told the wire service that Totti's handler put items used in training in his car after an exercise. He didn't realize the dog was locked in the car, according to Worden.
"(Department of Corrections) employees are extremely saddened by this tragic event," authorities said in a news release.
The investigation into Totti's death is ongoing.
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