Windows down, air on: How to keep your pets safe in vehicles this summer

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a day ago

The summer weather is coming in hot this season and it's important to remember the safety of all our loved ones during this time, including our four-legged friends.
Every year, dozens of pets die or receive heat-related injuries from being left or forgotten in sweltering hot vehicles during summer months, according to PETA.
Animal safety is especially important during the hotter seasons because they do not cool down the way we do as humans. Dogs and cats pant, rather than sweat, to cool themselves off, meaning their organ systems can get overwhelmed very quickly according to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
'Cats and dogs are not able to perspire like humans are,' said Brian Carroll, community outreach manager for the Erie Humane Society.
'In order for them to cool down they have to be able to have water or be able to pant and get to cooler air.'
Additionally, heat inside the vehicle can rise much faster in temperature and will be significantly hotter than outside of the vehicle. In fact, vehicles can become 20 degrees hotter in just a few minutes.
'Even if you run in the store for 10 minutes, the temperature inside your vehicle can raise rapidly and be over 100 degrees in no time — even if it's 65 to 70 degrees and sunny,' says Carroll. 'The warmer it gets the quicker that it heats up.'
Millcreek Township Animal Enforcement Officer William Sandstrom says the department gets on average about three to five calls a week regarding animals left behind in vehicles during the summer months.
In the state of Pennsylvania, the Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act, also known as, the 'Hot Car Bill,' signed into effect by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2018, states that law enforcement officers and other public safety professionals have the authority to immediately remove a dog or cat from a vehicle if they have a reasonable belief the animal is in imminent danger.
With the use of a digital laser thermometer, Officer Sandstrom is able to take a reading of the temperature of the inside of the vehicle to assess the imminence of the situation for the animals inside. Always recorded on a body camera, this may become relevant if the situation makes it to court.
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The "Hot Car Bill" does not necessarily give citizens the authority to immediately enter in these scenarios. Both public safety officials and bystanders have a set of procedures they must follow before considering entering the vehicle.
'You have to make a good faith effort to locate the owner of said animal in the hot car,' said Sandstrom.
Only law enforcement officers and public safety officials are explicitly covered under this act, legally allowing them to enter the vehicle and assist any animal in distress protecting them from any liability.
The officer or public safety official must also leave behind a note on or in the motor vehicle stating why the entry was made, the name of the person and their employer, a telephone number and where the owner can go to pick up their pet, if possible.
If you see an animal in a hot car showing signs of distress or a possible heat-related injury, first, take note of the make and model of the vehicle, then enter any nearby businesses to locate the owner. If you are unable to find the owner of the vehicle, contact the local authorities or call 911.
Although it is best to wait for emergency personnel, in dire situations, after taking the proper precautions, bystanders may take the necessary steps to remove the dog or cat from the vehicle, following the same procedure as an officer or public safety official, leaving a note with the proper information. Immediately get the animal to a cool place, with access to water and take it to a nearby vet for further direction.
Officer Sandstrom warns about entering vehicles as a bystander, stating some animals may become violent with unknown persons entering the vehicle.
'You could have an aggressive animal inside that vehicle, so you have to have the upmost caution,' Sandstrom warns.
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Pet owners who are accused and found guilty of intentional negligence may be sentenced to imprisonment, have to pay a hefty fine or both, according to Pa. state law.
Both animal and public safety professionals recommend leaving your animals at home, especially if they do not have to come along with you on your outing.
'We always ask that if you can leave your animal at home, it is best to leave them at home,' Carroll said.
When you must bring along your four-legged friend, make sure to park in a shady area, crack a window, keep the car running with the air conditioning on, and make sure that your pet has access to water while you are briefly away from your vehicle.
Contact Ammiela Agayev at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie PA authorities encourage owners to leave pets at home during heat