Central Texas police dog found dead in patrol car

MADISONVILLE, TX -- A Central Texas officer has been put on administrative duty after his police dog was found dead in his patrol SUV after his shift ended.

Madisonville police Chief Chuck May said Tuesday that his department and Texas Rangers are investigating the accidental death of the dog named Baron.

May says the 5-year-old Belgian Malinois was found dead in the police vehicle at the officer's home.

The police chief says the officer began work Thursday night, got off around midday Friday and went home. The dog was discovered dead several hours later.

May says Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine experts would determine a cause of death, which was pending Tuesday.

Temperatures in the area reached the low 90s Friday.