As temperatures continue to soar, people aren’t the only ones who need to be concerned about staying out of the heat. Pets are particularly vulnerable and Jeff Dorson of the Humane Society of Louisiana has some tips on how to keep our furry friends safe.
“The rule of thumb is if you’re uncomfortable outside, your pet will be as well,” said Dorson. “Any type of animal that belongs to you, please keep them inside if they’re companion animals because that’s their name.”
One mistake by a pet owner can be costly. Whether it’s by leaving a pet unattended in a parked car on a hot day, failing to keep their pets hydrated, or missing the signs of a pet in distress, Dorson says it only takes a few moments for a tragedy to occur.
“You’d be surprised the number of calls we’re getting of dogs left out in cages, in direct sunlight,” he said. “We’ve had 11 reported fatalities of animals left outside in the heat.”
Dorson also stressed that there a real consequences for neglecting pets. This past weekend, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s arrested a Mandeville man for allegedly leaving his dog tethered in his yard without food water, or shelter while the heat index read 114 degrees. The owner was charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty.
“You’re going to lose your pet and face criminal charges,” Dorson said. “And you should be held accountable and culpable because your failure to protect your animal led to the loss of it. So let’s be mindful, please.”
For more information on pet safety, visit the Humane Society of Louisiana website.
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