Crime & Safety
Pets Get Hot Too, Don't Leave Them in Cars
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is reminding pet owners to keep their animals safe by not leaving them in vehicles when it's hotter than 70 degrees out.
Jefferson County Sheriff Oliver “Glenn” Boyer wants to remind pet owners to be aware of the danger of leaving pets in a vehicle during the summer.
The Humane Society of Missouri suggests pet owners not leave their pets unattended in vehicles when temperatures are above 70 degrees. The organization said at 72 degrees outside, the temperature in a car can reach 116 degrees, even with the windows cracked.
The most common signs a pet is in distress are excessive panting, seizures, unresponsiveness and collapse, Ann McLaughlin, chief investigator for the St. Louis Division of the Humane Society's Animal Cruelty Task Force previously told Patch. But it's the signs you don't see that are much more life threatening.
Find out what's happening in Arnoldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Boyer urges pet-owners to prevent these tragedies from occurring by never leaving a pet in a closed vehicle. Those who don't own pets can also be a hero in their own right by reporting an animal in distress if they spot one in a parked vehicle. Boyer said to contact the nearest animal shelter or the sheriff's office.
Report any animal cruelty or mistreatment to the Jefferson County Animal Control at (636) 797-5577.
Report any animal cruelty or mistreatment to the Jefferson County Animal Control at (636) 797-5577.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here