North Hempstead, NY –Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth is proposing an amendment to the Town Code that would make it a violation and establish penalties for anyone who leaves an unattended animal in a vehicle without sufficient ventilation or water for a prolonged period of time. The amendment is intended to prevent animal owners from leaving dogs and other animals in their vehicles, especially in hot weather, which can result in suffering and even death. The proposed legislation is part of a wider educational campaign by the Town this summer to increase awareness among pet owners of the dangers of leaving pets in cars during hot weather and to urge anyone seeing an animal in distress, to call a non-emergency police number or the Town’s 311 call Center. Violators could face a $250 fine or imprisonment for 15 days or both.

The proposed legislation will go before the Town Board for a hearing on August 11.

“Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness or death, even on a day that doesn't seem hot to you and cracking the windows makes no difference,” said Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “If you see an animal in a car exhibiting signs of heat stress, I urge you to call your local police precinct’s non-emergency number and the Town’s 311 call center for animal control immediately, so that they may take the ]necessary steps to remove the animal from a vehicle.”

A car in summertime is no place to leave a dog, even if the window is opened slightly and the air conditioner is running. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes and after 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Pets can suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation, according to the staff at the Town’s Animal Shelter.

The Town’s educational campaign consists of public service announcements on North Hempstead TV, that can be seen at www.myNHTV.com, distribution of flyers and social media postings urging pet owners to be mindful of the dangers.

Town Animal Shelter Director Jenna Givargidze also instructs people to get the vehicle’s tag number and enter the nearest store or businesses to ask if an announcement can be made about a pet left in a hot car.

“Before you put your pet in the vehicle, ask yourself if you really need to take your pet with you – and if the answer is no, leave your pet at home…they'll be safe and happily waiting for you when you return,” Givargidze said.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, if your pet is exposed to high temperatures, look for signs of heat stress including heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.

If your pet is overheated, move the pet to a cooler area and take these emergency steps:

• Gradually lower his body temperature by applying cool (not cold) water all over his body or soaking him in a cool bath.
• Place cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits and in the groin area. You may also wet the ear flaps and paws with cool water. Direct a fan on the wet areas to speed evaporative cooling.
• Offer a drink of fresh, cool water if your dog is alert and wants to drink. Do not force your pet to drink.
• Take your pet to a veterinarian.