LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The scorching hot summers in the Las Vegas Valley can be deadly, not only for humans, but for animals.
Already this summer, FOX5 has reported a bulldog died after police said its owner left it in the backyard for over 20 hours.
Now, as we brace for temperatures to go up even more, a group of animal advocates are coming together to respond to calls of a dog in distress. From dog food, water, to leashes and a first-aid kit, Melanie Shayne, the founder of Doggie Task Force is ready to jump in.
“There are a lot of people that honestly don’t know what to do when they see something. They don’t want to get involved. They are worried about retaliation from a neighbor. So for us to assist, they would be less nervous,” Shayne said.
However, when they learn of a dog in distress, her team will respond.
“I think we would take certain measures first, knock on the door see if we can get a hold of the owner. If we can talk to the neighbor that might have access to the property. See if a neighbor is home,” Shayne said.
Doggie Task Force has been established in the valley for years, it is usually for dogs that run away during the Fourth of July.
However, since a bulldog died earlier this month during triple digit temperatures, Shayne now has her volunteers all over the valley to follow up with calls or concerns about a dog in heat distress. However, she wants those who spot the dog first to take action if they can.
“I’ve seen situations where people are throwing ice on top of a dog that’s in heat distress. That is not the right thing to do,” Shayne said. “You want to put a cool towel on their neck, on their groin.” Shayne said.
Gina Greisen with Nevada Voters For Animals is one of the volunteers for the group.
“Obviously we are deeply upset with owners that do that to their animals, but we want to educate and inform and try to save that life. Sometimes we will take tarps, kitty pools, misting systems,” Greisen said.
The team focuses on educating the owners but will also help assess the situation if animal control does not come right away.
“We want to hold owners accountable, but at this point, we want to save lives” Greisen said.
The team will have a hotline ready to go in the coming days for anyone to call if they see a dog in heat distress, they are in the works of finalizing a number.
Meanwhile, “Reba’s Law” named after a bulldog who died last summer after being trapped in a closed bin, passed this legislative session. It would strengthen penalties for animal abuse.
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