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SEAACA Reminds Pet Owners:
"The Heat is On"
The Southeast Area
Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) in Downey is in pre-summer mode,
and the next few weeks may prove to be the year's busiest. When hot
weather arrives, so does the tide of citizen's complaints about pets
without shelter, water, or locked in hot cars. This week is forecast
as unseasonably warm, with temperatures expected to hit 100 degrees
in some area cities by this weekend.
"Just as we take
precautions to keep ourselves well hydrated when exposed to the
heat, we must not forget to plan for our pets as well," says Captain
Aaron Reyes, director of operations for SEAACA. "We respond to far
too many complaints of pets with no shelter or water…and of course,
pets locked in hot cars," says Reyes. "This shouldn't be happening;
we all know it gets very hot at this time of year," exclaims Reyes.
Last summer SEAACA officers responded to over 50 heat related
complaints, most involving dogs left in hot cars in shopping center
parking lots. "It's best just to leave our pets at home with plenty
of fresh water and a place to rest and stay cool," exclaimed Reyes.
SEAACA is offering
some tips to keep your pet cool during the summer season:
-
NEVER leave a
pet or child unattended in a car, even with windows cracked open
and/or you're parked under a tree.
-
The
temperature inside a vehicle on a summer day can climb well past
100 degrees, causing heat stroke and death within just a few
minutes.
-
Always make
fresh, cool water available.
-
When
pets are outdoors, make certain they have shelter to escape the
elements.
-
Keep your pet
well groomed. A "summer cut" can help keep a dog or cat cool.
-
Walk your dog
earlier in the morning or later in the day, when it's cooler
outside.
-
Always
closely supervise your pets (and small children) while they play
in or around swimming pools or other large bodies of water.
Note: State animal
cruelty statutes protect your pets from cruelty, abuse and neglect.
If you spot an animal locked in a car this summer, call 911
immediately. The local police or Sheriff's office will then contact
SEAACA officers. All other (non-critical) animal cruelty complaints
can be made by calling SEAACA at (562) 803-3301. |
Animal
Law Enforcement & Rescue
