Urgent Soundbites From PETA: Hot-Weather Survival Tips

For Immediate Release:
July 10, 2018

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

Norfolk, Va. –

With the hottest days of summer in full swing, PETA is providing sound bites to insert into stories about the dangers of hot weather.

These sound bites warn that children and animals can quickly succumb to heatstroke if left in hot cars: Already this year, there have been at least 33 hot weather–related animal deaths—and these are just the ones that have been reported. Most aren’t.

PETA has released a warm-weather public service announcements (narrated by Simon Cowell, Laura Bell Bundy, and George Brett).

The following tips will help keep animal companions safe in hot weather:

Keep animals indoors. Unlike humans, dogs can only sweat through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
Never leave an animal inside a hot vehicle. Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help intervening in life-or-death situations.
Avoid hot pavement. When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s, asphalt temperatures can climb to 140 degrees, causing pain, burns, and permanent damage to dogs’ paws after just a few minutes of contact. Walk dogs on grass whenever possible, and avoid walking in the middle of the day. Never run with dogs in hot weather—they’ll collapse before giving up, at which point, it may be too late to save them.

For more information, visit PETA.org.