Impending Hot Weather Dangerous for Pets

Photo courtesy Augusta Animal Services

Date: May 23, 2021

With temperatures expected to reach close to 100 degrees over the next week, Augusta Animal Services (AAS) is warning pet owners their animal could suffer a heatstroke or die.

The ASPCA says, as of May 2018, at least 28 states have laws regarding pets being let in vehicles unattended.

AAS reminded pet owners that Augusta-Richmond County has such a law.

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An ordinance passed and signed into law in 2013 said dogs and cats should never be left unattended in vehicles for more than five minutes “under any circumstances that would endanger the animals health, safety or welfare.”

If a public safety officer sees your animal in your vehicle, they can use any reasonable means to enter your vehicle and remove the animal.

Violating the ordinance is a misdemeanor. It carries a fine up to $1000 and up to 60 days in jail.

Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.

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The Author

Dana Lynn McIntyre is an award-winning reporter who began working in radio news in her hometown of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She also worked as a television news photographer for a station in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Dana moved to Savannah, Ga. in 1984 to join the news team at WIXV-FM/I95 Radio. In early 1986, WBBQ Radio in Augusta invited her to interview for a position with the news department. Within three weeks, Dana was living in Olde Town and working at a legendary radio station. Dana left WBBQ in 1996 to join WJBF NewsChannel 6 as assignment manager. In 1998 she became a reporter/anchor covering law enforcement, crime and courts as well as witnessing two executions, one in Georgia, the other in South Carolina. She also spent time as an assignment manager-editor in Atlanta, metro New York City, and back in Augusta at WRDW Television. Dana joined The Augusta Press team in April 2021. Among Dana’s awards from the Georgia Associated Press Broadcasters Association are for Excellence in General Assignment Reporting, Spot News and Specialized Reporting. Dana also received an award for Public Service Reporting from the West Augusta Rotary Club for a story with actor LeVar Burton on his PBS Television show “Reading Rainbow."

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