For immediate release:
Jul 28, 2021
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Boise, Idaho – According to the latest reports, at least four dogs died in hot cars in Treasure Valley in the past month, and similar reports across the country are coming in at an uncontrollable rate, with some dogs getting help too late. Already this year, 26 dead dogs have been reported. heat-related causes… (The numbers are likely much higher, as most heat-related pet deaths go unreported.)
The high temperatures this week put dogs at high risk of heat prostration and death, so PETA issues an urgent warning to anyone with a dog: Never leave them in vehicles, and be sure to do the following.
- Touch the sidewalk before walking to avoid scalding your dog’s paw pads.
- Watch out for long, twisted tongue and heavy breathing, as dogs cannot sweat like humans and heat builds up in their bodies.
- Walk only in the shade, on the ground or grass, and never leave the animals alone (on Memorial Day weekend, PETA field workers discovered the body of a dog that died after being left chained to the scorching sun).
PETA is calling on everyone to support the Hot Cars Act of 2021, which will require automakers to install technology in vehicles to detect the presence of an animal or child and alert drivers when someone is in the back seat.
Anyone who leaves animals in hot cars or on the street to get hurt in harsh weather can be prosecuted for the cruelty.
For more information visit PETA.org or subscribe to the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram…