LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Over the last week, Indiana has seen instances of dogs overheating and dying when left in cars.
“You should never do it, no matter what the circumstance should be. They say 20 degrees in ten minutes, 50 degrees in an hour,” said Sandy Fogarasi, with Loving Heart Animal Shelter.
An emergency room doctor at a local hospital will now have to appear in court for a misdemeanor charge of animal neglect, after leaving her dog in the back of her Toyota while she worked her shift.
“Leaving it in a vehicle is unacceptable,” said Sergeant Shawn Verma, with the Lafayette Police Department. “It is law. It is a crime in the state of Indiana.”
Hospital employees were the ones who had to contact police to notify them of what was happening. When they arrived, the dog was dead.
“It’s very frustrating for the entire community because it is an animal, it is a pet, it is a living thing and it did not have to suffer in that way. It didn’t take much, it doesn’t take much for us to just be a little more responsible,” Verma said.
The time it takes for dogs to overheat is minimal.
Verma said even running into the store for 10 to 15 minutes can cause harm, and that taking on the responsibility of an animal, requires awareness.
“You take on the responsibility to provide it’s care and well-being and that’s part of it. If you cannot provide a place for the animal to go inside on a hot day like that, then we encourage people leave their pets at home or find it a safe place for it to go,” Verma said.
If you do end up in a similar situation where you feel you have no other choice, both Verma and Fogarasi said to reach out for help, whether that be a shelter, K-9 unit or vet clinic.
Fogarasi stated these rules should apply when your dog is outside or if the A/C goes off in your house. Signs of distress include panting, anxiety, restlessness and drooling. If your dog is in distress, it’s important to find shade, go indoors, and make sure they have plenty of water.
Officials reiterated that the safety of your pet should be top priority. If you do see an animal in an unattended vehicle, the police department encourages you to call for assistance.
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