02:29 PM PDT on Wednesday, July 20, 2005

By ANTONIA GIEDWOYN, kgw.com Staff

CLACKAMAS -- You could say it was almost a case of fried chicken.

file photo

A Clackamas County sheriff’s deputy rescued a hen Tuesday that had been left unattended without any water in a hot, locked pickup truck that was parked in the sun and had the windows rolled up.

The vehicle was parked outside the Village Place Apartments at 9020 SE Scottstree Way in Clackamas, said detective Wendi Babst with the Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office.

A passerby called authorities and the responding deputy tried to find the owner of the truck, but was unable to.

After consulting a veterinarian who confirmed that a bird left in a heated vehicle was at immediate risk of death, the deputy opened the truck door with the help of a locksmith.

The hen was taken to Clackamas County Dog Control as a temporary measure until it can be taken to a bird rescue organization or sanctuary.

When located, the owner of the bird could face animal neglect charges, Babst said.

In hot weather, animals of any kind should not be left in vehicles without air circulation and fresh water, experts said. Similarly, without shade, animals can overheat, become ill and die in a very short time.

kgw.com viewer/Ben Woodward

Cat enjoying the water on a hot day at Elk Lake in Bend, Ore.

The Oregon Humane Society offers the following tips for keeping pets safe in the heat:

--Keep water bowls full of cool, fresh water

--Provide shaded areas for pet to rest in

--Use a misting hose to provide a cool area for a pet while outside

--Use a kiddy pool for dogs to splash and play in

--Exercise animals in the cool of the morning or at dusk, not during heat of the day

--Do not leave pet unattended outside when it gets too hot -- bring the pet inside

--Leave your pet at home when you are running errands