For immediate release:
Jul 7, 2021
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Lynchburg, Virginia. – The dog was recently rescued by police in Lynchburg from a hot car, and the high temperatures this week put dogs at high risk of heat prostration 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 outdoors in extreme heat or in vehicles.
Last month, PETA field workers discovered the body of a dog that 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 it, and K-9 could not stand the heat prostration and died. Last year, more than 31 dogs died from heat-related causes… (The numbers are likely much higher as most heat-related deaths go unreported.)
PETA also calls on everyone to support the Hot Cars Act of 2021, which requires automakers to install technology in vehicles to detect the presence of a child or animal and alert drivers when someone is in the back seat.
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…