Community Corner
During This Heat Wave, It's Too Hot For Man Or Beast
A heat advisory was in effect until 8 p.m. on Monday with more likely to come. A new law makes it illegal to chain a dog outside when a special weather advisory is issued.
Written by Jayne Keedle:
A new law that took effect in Connecticut on July 1 now makes it illegal to tie your dog up outside when a weather advisory is in effect, so no dog should be tied outside when those advisories are issued.
It should go without saying that you should never leave children or pets in a hot car, but enough people still do this that it's worth saying it again. The heat will turn your car into an oven, even with the windows open.
If the temperature is 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a vehicle with the windows cracked will rise to 102 degrees in 10 minutes; in half an hour, it will reach 120 degrees. That's enough for a pet to suffer irreversible organ damage or die. Animals pant to cool off and when the weather is humid, this doesn't work well.
If you see an animal in distress in a parked car, contact the nearest animal shelter or police.
Always make sure your pet has plenty of water and keep walks short. Remember that asphalt and sand get really hot, so walk on grass whenever possible. Find additional tips for helping pets stay cool on the Humane Society's web site.
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