For immediate release:
August 25, 2021
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Norfolk, Virginia. Scorching temperatures this week, which are expected to hit above 90 in areas of Michigan, including Kalamazoo and Lansing, 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 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, andnever leave animals outside in extreme heat or in vehicles.
This summer, PETA field workers found the body of a dog that died after being left chained to the scorching sun, and similar reports are coming across the country. Recently, a law enforcement officer mistakenly left his patrol car with a dog inside. and K-9 could not stand the heat prostration and died. This year, the deaths of 40 dogs 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.