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.”
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
