CAMPBELL, Ohio - Campbell Police Officers have a new tool to help rescue pets left in locked cars and trucks during sweltering temperatures.

Animal rights activists, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has donated ten emergency window-breaking hammers to the Campbell Police.

The donation was made at the request of Officer Jim Conroy, who contacted the group with concerns about animals being left to suffer in hot cars.

PETA reported that last year 163 animals died from heat-related causes and 855 were rescued. PETA says these numbers only represent the reported cases.

A news release from the police department says the hammers will help officers rescue anyone found trapped inside a sweltering vehicle.

In 2022, Officer Conroy and Campbell City Council President George Levendis worked with PETA to implement a local ordinance that made it illegal to keep animals tethered outdoors.

City leaders unanimously approved the tethering ban and have since passed additional legislation to further protect animals from abuse, including requiring that animals never be left unattended outdoors when the temperature is below 35 degrees or above 85 degrees.