Pets put in peril when left in hot parked cars
EUGENE, Ore. -- Cars can become coffins for pets left inside on a sunny day.
“If it is 90 degrees," said Tom Howard, the Supervisor of Operations at Lane County Animal Services, "the temperature can reach as hot as 130 degrees inside a vehicle, which is not good for any animal. It could cause serious injury or even death.”
Howard said leaving pets in cars is common but that during the hot summer months it should be avoided.
Depending on the pet’s health, it can become dehydrated, suffer from a heat stroke and even die. Howard said keeping windows open does not guarantee that your animal will be safe in the heat.
“Animals aren't just pets anymore, they are family members," Howard said. "And just as you would with a child take proper precaution, we're asking you to do that with your animals."
LCAS suggested that pets be left at home, indoors or with someone else. Depending on how severe the offense, people can receive a citation and even jail for leaving a pet in a hot car.
If you see a pet parked in a hot car, call Lane County Animal Services or your local law enforcement agency. LCAS said do not attempt to save the animal by breaking in the car. You could be charged with a crime.
