Robert’s Copy
The following news release came from the Humane Society of Missouri.
The Humane Society of Missouri Urges Pet Owners to Bring Pets Inside
High temperatures and hot cars: a deadly combination for pets
WHAT: Tragedy struck this week when (several) show dogs died after their handler left them in a hot van in Jefferson County for several hours. “This is a heart-wrenching and horrifying example that leaving an animal inside an automobile during hot weather is deadly,” said Kathy Warnick, President of the Humane Society of Missouri.
With the heat index consistently more than 100 degrees into this weekend, pet owners are advised to never leave their pet in an unattended automobile. High temperatures and hot cars can be a deadly combination for pets.
“When it’s more than 70 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can become dangerous in just a few minutes,” said Dr. Steven Schwartz, director of Veterinary Medical Centers, Humane Society of Missouri. “On a very hot day like today, the body temperature of a cat or dog left in a car can quickly increase from a normal temperature of 101 to a life-threatening 105 degrees or more. At those elevated levels, the suffering and danger to a pet are severe – heart, kidney and brain damage, even death as the blood literally boils. In this weather, a pet should never be left in a car, not even just for a few minutes, not even with the windows cracked open.”
ACTION REQUESTED:
Persons who see a distressed animal in an unattended car are asked to act immediately.
Call the local police (783-3660) or the Humane Society of Missouri ANIMAL ABUSE HOTLINE 314-647-4400.
A pet showing signs of distress such as heavy panting, unresponsive behavior, seizure or collapse needs immediate attention. Immerse or hose down the pet in cool water and seek immediate veterinary care.
HEAT ALERT DANGER CARDS:
Neon orange Heat Alert Danger cards are available at all Humane Society of Missouri locations – in St. Louis City, the Westport Area, and Chesterfield Valley. Members of the public are encouraged to place the card on the windshield whenever they see a pet left unattended in a parked car.
