A
new campaign is being launched by the country’s largest
animal welfare charity to prevent dogs suffering and dying
in hot cars. More than 400 complaints were received by
Inspectors during the warmer months last year, prompting a
call for vigilance to prevent more tragic incidents this
summer.
SPCA has created *downloadable resources
stressing the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars, including
a poster, flyer, and social media tile. It's hoped that
animal lovers, Councils, and business owners will feel
encouraged to display these resources to help share the
message of the tragic and often deadly
consequences.
“We say the same thing every year, but
tragically we still see dogs suffering,” says Dr Corey
Regnerus-Kell, SPCA’s General Manager Animal
Services.
“It’s simple, never leave animals in
cars.”
It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act
to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of
heat stress such as excessive panting, drooling,
hyperventilation, and trying to seek shade. Pet owners whose
animals are found in this state can be issued with a $300
infringementbut the toll on animals can be much more
severe, potentially deadly.
A dog’s normal body
temperature is around 38.5°C. If a dog’s body temperature
exceeds 41°C it meets a critical threshold for heatstroke,
a serious condition with mortality rates as high as
50%.
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Dogs rely on panting to cool down. In a hot car,
even with the windows slightly open and water available,
panting is not enough to keep a dog’s body temperature
within a safe range.
Just a short time in a hot car
can cause a dog’s body temperature to rise to critical
levels resulting in brain and organ damage or
death.
Dr Regnerus-Kell advises dog owners to plan
during the next few months to ensure outside activities and
adventures can safely include dogs.
“Check if the
location is pet-friendly, and when in doubt please
considering leaving your dog safely at home.”
SPCA
encourages animal lovers to help protect pets in communities
by talking to friends and families about the dangers of
leaving dogs in hot cars. Businesses and popular gathering
places can download SPCA’s poster, flyer, and social media
tile to prevent further suffering in the coming
months.
Dr Regnerus-Kell asks anyone who sees a dog in
trouble to call SPCA or the police immediately Report
animal cruelty • SPCA New Zealand.
“If you
love them don’t leave them – dogs die in hot
cars.”
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