With the recent heat wave has come a wave of warnings from local authorities, including Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley and the South East Area Animal Control Authority, telling residents of the dangers of keeping pets closed up in cars.
Cooley is scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday, complete with a poster pooch named Bilby who will be on hand for photo ops, to make it clear that his office takes animal cruelty cases seriously and will prosecute pet owners for the life-threatening deed of keeping animals locked in cars.
The animal control authority posted its warning earlier this month, saying it receives an average of 14 calls every month for animals in distress inside vehicles during hot weather.
Cooley is scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday, complete with a poster pooch named Bilby who will be on hand for photo ops, to make it clear that his office takes animal cruelty cases seriously and will prosecute pet owners for the life-threatening deed of keeping animals locked in cars.
The animal control authority posted its warning earlier this month, saying it receives an average of 14 calls every month for animals in distress inside vehicles during hot weather.
While many families might think it's no big deal and it will save them money to take their pets along with them on their trips, it can have disasterous consequences, authorities warned.
"It's just not worth it," said Capt. Aaron Reyes, Director of Operations for SEAACA.
Reyes recounted several local stories of heart-break, including a Norwalk family that forgot to take their Rottweiller out of the family car after a trip. When they realized their mistake and ran to the car an hour later, the dog was found on the floorboard of the car in shock. She succumbed to heat stroke on the sidewalk five minutes later.
"The owners were remorseful and loved their dog ... it was so sad to see the pain they felt, but also the pain they caused their Rottie, who had been a part of their family for 10 years," Reyes added.
A family in Montebello almost lost their Yorkshire Terrier after leaving it in the car while they ate breakfast at a restaurant early one morning, Reyes said. Animal Control officers called to the parking lot found the temperature inside the car had soared to 110 degrees. The owners, who rushed outside when they saw the officers getting ready to force entry into the car, were given a stern warning and had their dog, who was panting heavily and moderately distressed but otherwise healthy, given back to them, Reyes said.
In another case, Animal Control was called to a parking lot at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park when passersby noticed a small terrier inside the car languishing in the hot afternoon sunlight.
The dog's family, from Northern California, were visiting the park and planned to go on down to San Diego. Animal Control officers also gave them a firm warning and returned the dog, Reyes said.
Those who leave their pets unattended face the possibility of arrest and having their pets impounded, Reyes warned.
Cooley vowed if the case warrants, owners can be tried and sentenced to jail time and/or probation and hefty fines.
Anyone who sees an animal left in a vehicle can call SEAACA at 562-803-3301 for communities in South East Los Angeles County, including Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Lakewood, Paramount and Norwalk.
Anyone who sees an animal left in a car in Long Beach can call the city's Animal Control at 562-570-7387 or the hotline at 562-570-3057.
Anyone who sees an animal locked in a car in serious medical distress should call 911.
"It's just not worth it," said Capt. Aaron Reyes, Director of Operations for SEAACA.
Reyes recounted several local stories of heart-break, including a Norwalk family that forgot to take their Rottweiller out of the family car after a trip. When they realized their mistake and ran to the car an hour later, the dog was found on the floorboard of the car in shock. She succumbed to heat stroke on the sidewalk five minutes later.
"The owners were remorseful and loved their dog ... it was so sad to see the pain they felt, but also the pain they caused their Rottie, who had been a part of their family for 10 years," Reyes added.
A family in Montebello almost lost their Yorkshire Terrier after leaving it in the car while they ate breakfast at a restaurant early one morning, Reyes said. Animal Control officers called to the parking lot found the temperature inside the car had soared to 110 degrees. The owners, who rushed outside when they saw the officers getting ready to force entry into the car, were given a stern warning and had their dog, who was panting heavily and moderately distressed but otherwise healthy, given back to them, Reyes said.
In another case, Animal Control was called to a parking lot at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park when passersby noticed a small terrier inside the car languishing in the hot afternoon sunlight.
The dog's family, from Northern California, were visiting the park and planned to go on down to San Diego. Animal Control officers also gave them a firm warning and returned the dog, Reyes said.
Those who leave their pets unattended face the possibility of arrest and having their pets impounded, Reyes warned.
Cooley vowed if the case warrants, owners can be tried and sentenced to jail time and/or probation and hefty fines.
Anyone who sees an animal left in a vehicle can call SEAACA at 562-803-3301 for communities in South East Los Angeles County, including Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Lakewood, Paramount and Norwalk.
Anyone who sees an animal left in a car in Long Beach can call the city's Animal Control at 562-570-7387 or the hotline at 562-570-3057.
Anyone who sees an animal locked in a car in serious medical distress should call 911.
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