CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- You can dodge the heat but imagine what it's like for dogs left outside on days like this.
Chesterfield Animal Control officers answered several calls yesterday from people worried about hot pets.
In the heat Tuesday, people were taking their dogs out for quick walks under the blazing sun before heading back into the air-conditioning.
And that’s exactly where animal control supervisor Don Rose says all owners should be.
Pet exposure in these temps can be deadly, whether pets are left outside in the elements, or in a hot car -- which is illegal.
"The temp can go up 20 degrees or more in a matter of minutes and that will take the dog down very quickly,” Rose said.
Even if you find a shaded area to park in, or leave windows cracked it’s not enough. Animal control workers said it only takes minutes, and they used the CBS 6 car as an example; they showed how quickly it could happen.
The temperature quickly jumped up to 107 degrees.
“It’s been shut for less than 10 minutes and it’s already up more than 15 degrees,” said Steven Ayers with Chesterfield Animal Control
That kind of overheating kills.
Now when animal cruelty calls come in, officers respond with aggressive enforcement, rose hopes will force pet owners to keep this issue top of mind.
"When you're got somebody watching out and they call us we're going to respond…and if we have to take the animal to safety, then we will take it,” Rose said.
