DRUG-SNIFFER DOG LOCKED IN CAR DIES FROM HEAT

A narcotics-trained canine working for the Metro Narcotics Task Force
in Salt Lake County died Friday after a federal Drug Enforcement
Administration investigator left it in his car for several hours
during 100-degree-plus temperatures.

Don Mendrala, agent in charge of the Utah office of the DEA, confirmed
he is investigating the death of Lady, a beagle trained to sniff out
illicit drugs.

The DEA is a member of the Metro Narcotics Unit, which consists of
specially trained investigators from 14 federal, state and local law
enforcement agencies.

Because of the undercover nature of the agent's work, his identity is
being kept confidential.