Wednesday, June 27, 2012

HOT DOGS NEED HELP!!


Arkansas may be a state of dog lovers, but it seems we may still be putting man’s best friend at risk as a recent survey of individuals on a Saturday revealed that over 65% of people have seen a dog locked in a car on a sunny day yet over a third of them did nothing about it.

With temperatures easily reaching over 100 degrees in some parked vehicles, dogs could die within minutes so we are once again reminding motorists and visitors of our “Hot Cars Can Kill Dogs” Campaign.
The survey also reveals that 15% of those questioned called the police when they saw a dog locked in the car, 49% tried to alert the driver or have a store page individuals and 1 individual actually broke into the car to rescue the dog.

The “Hot Cars Can Kill Dogs” Campaign begins on July 7th with posters and “Hot Dog” Cards being available to individuals and businesses who love and respect animals across Northeast Arkansas. Companies and individuals can contact NAFA at nafahelp@gmail.com or visit Petco on Saturday, July 7th to pick up the “Hot Cars Can Kill Dogs” posters for business windows and “Hot Dog” cards to put on vehicles with animals inside.  There is also information about who businesses can call to assist with animals that might be in danger.

NAFA director and abuse investigator states, “It is shocking to see that so many people consider leaving their dog in the car, whatever the weather. If you wouldn’t leave your child in the car, why would you leave your pet? Given how quickly the temperature can rise, it is equally unfathomable that you would leave your pet or child.  What is even more shocking is individuals who leave dogs in the back of trucks exposing them not only to excessive heat but the dangers of passersby.”

Advice to motorists include:
Never leave your dog alone in the car – even if it seems cool outside it can become very hot very quickly inside your car. Parking in the shade and/or keeping the windows down does not make it safe!  If you leave your vehicle running with the air conditioner on, be sure that your vehicle is secure and do not leave for long as your vehicle might overheat.

Make sure you have a supply of water and know where you can stop off on route for water breaks. Dogs are not able to cool down as effectively as humans so could suffer from heat stroke and dehydration very quickly

The dangers are obvious; you just have to touch the dashboard or seats to know how hot the inside of a car can get. But it’s not just on warm days when dogs are at risk – vehicles can be death-traps even in 80 degree temperatures.

Never travel with your dog in the back of your truck.  The bed can become excessively hot and the dog has no where to get cool. 

If you do see a dog in distress please contact your local police station or animal control department. 

Local Contacts for Jonesboro:
Police Department 870-935-5553
Animal Control 870-935-3920


Below is a printable "HOT DOG" card for placing on vehicles:
Keep your pets safe,
 Tut