Hot weather is a dangerous time for pets

 


As summer kicks into high gear with hot, sunny days – SCRAPS' Animal Protection Officers are busy responding to calls of animals left in cars.

“Hot weather can have an immediate and all-too-often fatal effect on pets. Pets left in vehicles are actually in danger as the temperature in cars rapidly increases and can overwhelm an animal in a very short period of time. People think that cracking a window for air will be enough, but it isn't,” SCRAPS director Nancy Hill said. She added that if your pet is outside, you need to provide plenty of clean water and shelter from the sun. SCRAPS also provides gently-used dog houses for people who can't afford to buy one.

Anyone leaving a pet in a vehicle during warm weather may be charged with confinement in an unsafe manner, which is a misdemeanor and may additionally be charged with animal cruelty which could result in felony charges.

In 2009 a Labrador retriever was left in a vehicle on a 75-degree day. The animal died and his owner was charged with felony first-degree animal cruelty. First degree animal cruelty is a class C Felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

If you see an animal left in a vehicle, call SCRAPS at (509) 477-2532 and commissioned animal protection officers will respond.

 

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