Warm Weather May be a Death Sentence for an Animal Left in a Car

Many people are unaware of the consequences and under the false impression that cracking a window while they run errands will keep the car cool enough. That could not be more wrong.

Here are the staggering facts. When it’s:

· 70 degrees outside, within minutes it can reach a very dangerous 90 degrees inside the car

· At 85 degrees, only minutes to reach an oppressive and potentially deadly 102 degrees

· And then within 30 minutes, it will reach more than 120 degrees, and so on

Animals, particularly dogs, can’t cool themselves down as easily as people. Once they overheat, they can suffer extensive organ damage and/or die within a very short period of time, in some cases within minutes depending on the age and/or health.

That’s why leaving an animal alone in a car is more than just a bad idea, it’s a form of animal cruelty. Please don’t leave your animal in a car under any circumstances. And help us pass the message – tell your loved ones, friends and neighbors. You can be an advocate that helps stop this serious issue.

If you see an animal left in a car alone, please don’t just assume the owner will be back momentarily. What you can do:

· Call the local Animal Control Officer or 911 – they have ways to gain access to the car

· Provide the license number and make/model of the car to the nearby businesses, security guards, etc. to make urgent announcements to find the owner

· Stay with the car until help arrives

Our furry friends may need our help to keep them safe. So, it’s ‘better to be safe than sorry’ when it comes to what otherwise could be a death sentence.

NVHS is an all-volunteer, all-foster care organization. We are dedicated to helping as many cats as possible through our various programs. Please visit our website at www.neponsethumane.org for more information, to donate (100% goes to animal care), adopt and/or volunteer. Or, email us at nvhumanesociety@gmail.com.

We can’t do it without you!