Keep pets, youngsters out of locked cars during summer

The National Weather Services advises to never leave a child or pet in a locked car during the summer because temperatures inside a car can increase to 140 degrees in a matter of minutes.

According to the Animal Legal & Historical Center, a law enforcement officer who believes an animal is suffering can remove the animal if the owner is not present.

Calling law enforcement or animal control is a first option, Colfax Officer Perry Tate wrote in an email. He also wrote if the owner is nearby try talking to them because “the fastest option is the best option.”

“This is an emotionally charged issue and should be approached cautiously as well as promptly,” Tate wrote.

An officer can take action if any animal is left confined and unattended in a motor vehicle where the animal could be harmed or killed by “excessive heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of proper water.”

Leaving an animal in an unattended car can lead to a class two civil infraction against the person in charge of the vehicle, according to Animal Legal & Historical Center.

According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) website, 79 animals in the United States died from heat-related causes in 2018. This does not include animals who were not reported. Three of the deaths were in Washington.

Pets can present signs of heatstroke.

Katelyn Snyder, Whitman County Humane Society animal care attendant, said the first sign in an overheated dog is panting. If it gets worse, the animal could stop moving. Vomiting and red gums are other signs of heat stroke.

She advised to never leave a pet in a car for more than 10 minutes.

Snyder said a technique to slowly reduce and animal’s temperature is placing wet towels on the animal and putting the pet in a shaded area.

“It’s best to avoid keeping them in the car at all costs,” Synder said.