06/16/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/16/2022 14:44
Published on June 16, 2022
Denver Animal Protection reminds residents, 'If you love 'em, leave 'em at home'
It's not even summer yet, but our temperatures already feel like it, with another round of consecutive 90-degree days upon us. Denver Animal Protection (DAP) reminds residents to never leave their pets alone in vehicles. The best advice to pet owners this summer: 'If you love 'em, leave 'em at home.'
Since the start of 2022, DAP has received 136 calls for dogs left inside vehicles during extreme temperatures. DAP received another 346 calls for animals without shelter in unsafe temperatures. Leaving a pet in an overheated car can cause serious harm to an animal but can also lead to a summons for animal cruelty and a potential fine up to $999 and/or 300 days in jail.
In just minutes, temperatures inside a vehicle can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit-even if temperatures are mild or if the windows are cracked open. In that short time, a dog can suffer life-threatening heatstroke which can cause organ failure and death.
Dogs don't sweat like humans do-through our skin which evaporates and cools our bodies. Dogs release heat from their bodies primarily by panting, exchanging hot air for cool. But when the air inside a car is warm, they breathe in that heat and can't cool off. That causes their body temperature to rise quickly and dangerously.
Obesity and pre-existing medical conditions put pets at even higher risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Puppies, elderly, long-haired, dark-haired, and flat-faced dogs are also more at risk for overheating.
If you suspect an animal is suffering heatstroke:
If you see a dog in a hot car immediately call the 911 extension for Animal Protection at 720-913-2080. You should also familiarize yourself with the city's Good Samaritan law which provides legal immunity to people who break a car window to save an animal. However, to ensure immunity:
Thirty-one states have laws that either prohibit leaving an animal in a confined vehicle under dangerous conditions or provide civil immunity (protection from being sued) for a person who rescues a distressed animal from a vehicle.
DAP also offers the following tips for protecting your pet from the summer heat, in general:
With these tips in mind, enjoy a fun summer with your furry friends. Don't forget the safest place for your pet during the hot summer months is at home. "If you love, 'leave 'em at home."