For immediate release:
Jul 26, 2021
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Des Moines, Iowa Scorching temperatures expected to hit the 90s in Ames, Mason City and Ottumwe this week put dogs at high risk of heat exhaustion and death, which is why PETA is issuing an urgent warning to anyone with a dog. Be sure to do the following:
- Touch the sidewalk to make sure it doesn’t burn 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, andnever leave animals outside in extreme heat or in vehicles.
In May, PETA field workers discovered the body of a dog that had died after being left chained to the scorching sun, and similar reports are starting to flood across the country. Recently, a law enforcement officer mistakenly left his patrol car with a dog inside. this, and K-9 could not stand the heat prostration and died. Already this year, 22 dogs were registered dead from heat-related causes… (The numbers are likely much higher, as most heat-related pet deaths go unreported.)
Anyone who leaves animals on the street to get hurt in harsh weather can be prosecuted for the cruelty.
For more information please visit PETA.org or subscribe to the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram…