I think it must depend where you live. We have 3 dogs and if we ever left them at home when we went out anywhere they would be heartbroken. In summer when the temps reach in the 20's they don't come along unless we only go out to eat, this way we can let the a/c run. But if we're spending 3-4 hours shopping then we'd be out of gas if we let the a/c run so they have no choice but to stay behind.
So far this winter they've come along everywhere unless it was -30 and we were going to be in a store for over an hour. -4 here is a treat ( spring conditions) and the dogs can stay in the car a few hours without discomfort. They have the back with their beds in it. Dogs have fur coats, mine love snoozing in the van even if it's -15. All our dogs are inside dogs and go out only for potty or for their daily hike, and they go for that hike even if it's -30 outside and they love it.
We don't consider ourselves irresponsible, as they are used to the conditions. Extreme heat or storms are the only time they get left behind. And yes, our vet approves and she totes her dogs wherever she goes.
I'm sure these people felt their dogs could handle it or they would have left them home. Out here we have no law about dogs in cars, everyone brings their dogs with them. The only time we would call the police is for dogs left in a car in extreme heat with no a/c.