For Immediate Release:
June 29, 2022
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Washington, D.C. – This week’s scorching temperatures—expected to reach the 90s in the Washington area—will put dogs at high risk of enduring heat prostration and dying, so PETA is issuing an urgent warning to anyone with a dog. Please be sure to do the following:
- Put palm to 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 can’t 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 outdoors in extreme heat or inside vehicles.
Last summer, PETA fieldworkers discovered the body of a dog who had died after being left chained up in the hot sun, with similar reports nationwide. A law-enforcement officer also mistakenly left a dog inside his patrol car and the K-9 succumbed to heat prostration and died. Already this year, 23 dogs have reportedly died from heat-related causes. (The actual figure is likely far higher, as most heat-related companion animal deaths go unreported.)
Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
