LAS VEGAS, NV (WCMH) — The dog died after being left in the back of the animal control vehicle during triple-digit heat.

According to KTNV, Mr. Chops, a 9-year-old Shih Tzu who was microchipped, got out of the yard last Thursday.

After searching for him all weekend, his family was contacted by police to tell them he had died after accidentally being left in the back of an animal control vehicle for more than 12 hours. The temperatures in Henderson County that day reached 106 degrees.

Police say they have already changed their policy so that officers must check the kennels of the truck at the beginning and end of their shifts. They will also bring animals back to the shelter before answering other calls.

Mr. Chops family says they are devastated but hopes everyone can learn something from the mistake.

“Anger isn’t there…it’s…if anything good can come of this and people realize the dangers,” said Mr. Chops owner Jim Whipple.