Urgent: PETA Warns That Dogs Die in Hot Cars in Ontario—Vital Tips Here

For Immediate Release:
August 31, 2021

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

A dog was rescued recently after being left inside a hot car in Niagara-on-the-Lake, but for some dogs, help comes too late, including for a K-9 who recently died after being left behind in a patrol car. This year, 42 dogs have been reported dead from heat-related causes in the U.S. alone. (Figures are far likely higher, as most heat-related companion animal deaths go unreported.)

This week’s high temperatures put dogs at a high risk of enduring heat prostration and dying, so PETA is issuing an urgent warning to anyone with a dog: Never leave them inside vehicles, and please be sure to do the following.

• Touch the pavement before walks to ensure that it won’t burn dogs’ foot pads.
• Be alert to a long, curled-up tongue and heavy panting, as dogs cannot sweat as humans can and heat builds up inside their bodies.
• Walk only in the shade or on earth or grass, and never leave animals alone (In one instance this year, PETA fieldworkers discovered the body of a dog who had died after being left chained up in the hot sun.)

Anyone who leaves animals in hot cars or outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.