With temperatures reaching the high 90's, Orange County Animal Services is aggressively cracking down on pets left unattended in cars. Pet owners can face a civil citation for neglect in the amount of $265.00 and additional criminal charges by law enforcement. Animal Services warns that days where the temperature is in the high 70's , even with the windows cracked, the inside of a car can reach over 120 degrees in just minutes. Animals can quickly overheat resulting in heatstroke, leading to collapse, brain damage, and possible death.
This year already, Animal Services has responded to several calls regarding dogs left inside unattended vehicles. One of these calls involved two dogs left inside a parked vehicle at the Mall at Millenia. By the time the Orlando Police Department arrived, one dog had collapsed and required immediate medical attention. "Leaving a pet unattended while running an errand is a dangerous practice," said Orange County Animal Services Manager, Katherine Lockett. "We urge citizens to take action and contact law enforcement immediately if they see a pet left inside a car," she said.
It takes only minutes for a pet left in a vehicle on a warm day to succumb to heatstroke and suffocation. Temperatures inside a car easily reach more than 160 degrees if parked in the Florida sun.
Even when the outside air temperature is in the 60s, temperatures inside some vehicles can reach dangerous temperatures on bright, sunny days. So many experts recommend not leaving pets in parked cars even for short periods if the temperature is in the 60s or higher.
Rolling down a window or parking in the shade does not guarantee protection either, since temperatures can still climb. And if the window is rolled down sufficiently, the pet can escape. Plus if a passer-by claims he or she was bitten through the car window, the pet owner may be liable.
Animals are not able to sweat like humans. Dogs cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paws. If they have only overheated air to breathe, animals can collapse, suffer brain damage and possibly die of heatstroke. Less than 15 minutes can be enough for an animal's body temperature to climb from a normal 102.5 to deadly levels that will damage the nervous and cardiovascular systems, often leaving the animal comatose, dehydrated and at risk of permanent impairment or death.
Do not run errands with your pet. If an unexpected stop occurs, do not leave your pet unattended in the car. It is best to take your pet home or to a safe location before making any stops.
On trips with your pet, bring plenty of fresh drinking water and a bowl.
If you see signs of heat exhaustion take the dog into the shade, an air conditioned area, or to your veterinarian. Signs of heatstroke include: restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness, or lack of coordination. To lower body temperature, gradually give the animal water to drink, place a cold towel or ice pack on the head, neck and chest, and/or immerse the dog in cool (not cold) water.
Orange County Code Sec 5-43 states it is against the law to leave a dog, cat, or other animal unattended in a parked vehicle with inadequate or no ventilation. The owner or keeper can face a civil citation for neglect in the amount of $265.00 and additional criminal charges by law enforcement. If you see a pet in a vehicle on a hot day, take immediate action:
Note the car make, model, color and tag number, then go to the nearest store and ask the managers to page the vehicle owner.
Call the police, they will alert Animal Services. The police have the capability to enter the vehicle and rescue the pet.
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