‘DOGS IN HOT CAR’ REPORTS INCREASE AS TEMPERATURES RISE
As temperatures increase, Wenatchee Valley Animal Care and Control (ACC) is responding to an alarming number of reports of dogs left in hot cars. Numerous calls are received daily regarding this issue and, in some cases, dogs were removed from vehicles to prevent brain damage or death. With temperatures now well above the seventy degree mark, people should consider leaving their dogs at home. The interior of a car can quickly become an oven within minutes. Leaving windows cracked or down a few inches is insufficient and will only result in a two to three degree difference to the vehicle’s interior.
“We all love the companionship of our dogs, and most dogs love to go for car rides. Sometimes, we just have to love them enough to leave them at home,” notes Dawn Davies, Executive Director of Wenatchee Valley Humane Society.
Per Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 16.52.340, animal control officers and law enforcement officers are authorized to enter a vehicle or enclosed space to remove an animal without liability to any damaged property. It’s important to note this law only covers animal control and law enforcement officers, not the general public, and concerned citizens should call ACC or law enforcement if they see an animal who may be suffering or is in danger.
To report an animal in a vehicle who may be suffering, please call ACC at 509-662-9577 opt 1.
ABOUT ACC
Wenatchee Valley Animal Care and Control (ACC) is a separate LLC of Wenatchee Valley Humane Society and is a government contracted agency. Its mission is to help protect the safety and well-being of the citizens and animals of our jurisdictions through compassion, education and law enforcement. ACC is contracted to provide services for the Cities of Cashmere, Chelan, East Wenatchee, Entiat, Rock Island, Wenatchee, the Town of Waterville and Chelan & Douglas Counties.
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