By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Franklin County, MA) The Massachusetts State Police are joining with the Animal Rescue League of Boston to remind pet owners about the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars. Animals cool their bodies differently than humans, and temperatures below 80 degrees can heat a car over 100 degrees in a short period, which will cause heat stroke in animals. Symptoms of heat stroke include lethargy, weakness, heavy panting, glazed eyes, profuse salivation, excessive thirst, lack of coordination, red or purple tongue, and vomiting.
“Keeping an animal in a hot vehicle is dangerous, potentially deadly and illegal,” stated Massachusetts State Police Colonel Christopher Mason. “The Massachusetts State Police, along with law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth will be steadfast in enforcing this law to keep animals in Massachusetts safe.”
“While pet owners should be well aware of the dangers of leaving animals alone in vehicles during the warm weather months, we sadly still see numerous examples of animals suffering and even dying every year, as the result of being left in the car,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO.