Leaving pet in a car on hot day can be deadly

As we continue through the warm days of summer, it is a good time to bring attention to a practice that is unfortunately all too often a cause of distress for people who witness it, as well as the animals affected by it. The issue is that of leaving pets in vehicles.

Because many states allow only assistance dogs to be brought into stores or malls, some people take their dogs along on errands but leave them in the car. This can be deadly. We would never dream of leaving a loved one in a vehicle on a hot summer day, yet there are some who will do the very same thing to a pet.

A little heat outside a car can quickly make it very hot inside. On a summer's day of only 85 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, even keeping the windows slightly open won't stop the inside temperature from climbing to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and to 120 degrees in 20 minutes. A dog whose body temperature rises to 107-108 degrees will, within a very short time, suffer irreparable brain damage — or even death.

Although it may seem like a good idea to bring the family pet along for a ride, or on a trip, consider whether you will have the time or ability to keep that pet comfortable. They will be better off left at home with a caregiver or even at a kennel service than to be subjected to periods of time in a vehicle.

If you have to bring them along, consider tasking someone with staying with the pet while you run your errands.

While it goes without saying that leaving children unattended can and will have legal repercussions, it is also true that leaving a pet in an environment that causes injury or potential death will also result in legal ramifications. State Statute 951.02 Mistreating animals: No person may treat any animal, whether belonging to the person or another, in a cruel manner.” Cruel is defined as “causing unnecessary and excessive pain or suffering.”

If you see an animal in imminent danger or a child left unattended inside a car, see the store manager or contact law enforcement.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press Gazette: Leaving pet in a car on hot day can be deadly