Monday, we posted a different graphic highlighting the dangers of leaving dogs (or any pet or child or elderly person for that matter) in a car. Even with the windows cracked or down, heat still gets trapped in a car. Ask anyone who's dealt with a summer in Florida and broken air conditioning in their car. I can tell you from personal experience it's easily 10 degrees warmer in the car than outside, even with the windows all the way down and driving fast enough to feel the wind in your hair...
There are 14 states which have laws on the books dealing with animals being left in cars. They all carry penalties of $250 to $5000 and/or jail time. Although Florida does not have a law specifically for pets in cars, people have been tried and convicted of animal neglect or abuse under Florida Statute 828.13, which covers improper confinement and abandonment, and others which cover felony animal cruelty and animals found in distress. Many individual counties have ordinances on the books stating that people who leave their animals in cars can face civil and criminal penalties and anyone who sees an animal in distress should call the local authorities.
It only takes minutes for a car to reach unsafe temperatures and some 'snub nosed' breeds, like boxers and pugs, are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The effects of heat stroke can be devastating and it doesn't take long for a dog to wind up with a permanent injury, disability or even die in a hot car. It's too much to risk for animals we love so much, so this summer please think about any stops you may have to make before taking your four legged friends for a drive.
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