SPCA hopes to prevent heat-related pet injuries
The Putnam County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) reminds pet owners not to leave pets unattended in parked vehicles, especially in extreme heat. Temperatures in vehicles can rise 40 or more degrees above the outside temperature causing suffering, irreversible damage to their health, and possible death of the animal. It is a crime in New York State if the animal, left in a vehicle, is subjected to such heat and is punishable by a fine. If an animal goes into distress as a result of it being subjected to extreme temperatures in a vehicle, the owner may be arrested for animal cruelty, a Class A misdemeanor, and face a fine upwards of $1,000 or jail time up to one year.
The Putnam County SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department has begun random patrols of shopping center parking lots within the county during warm days and will continue to do so throughout the summer months as a proactive effort.
County businesses may help by displaying signs to remind patrons to STOP and think about the consequences should they decide to leave their pet in a car. The sign can be downloaded and printed from Putnam County SPCA’s Facebook page. Contact their 24-hour animal cruelty hotline at 845-520-6915 or visit spcaputnam.org. Calls can be kept confidential.
