What should I do if I see a pet in distress in a parked vehicle?
If you see an animal left in a parked car call the Redondo Beach Police Communications Unit at (310) 379-5411 immediately!
Police Officers or Animal Control Officers will respond.
What are the laws that prohibit leaving an animal in a vehicle?
California Penal Code 597.7 states:
(a) No person shall leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.
(b) Unless the animal suffers great bodily injury, a first conviction for violation of this section is punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) per animal. If the animal suffers great bodily injury, a violation of this section is punishable by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by both a fine and imprisonment. Any subsequent violation of this section, regardless of injury to the animal, is also punishable by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by both a fine and imprisonment.
Why is it against the law?
Leaving your pet in a parked vehicle can be deadly.
Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any period of time.
On a warm day, the temperature in a parked car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes.
An animal can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures.
Does it help to leave the window partially open to cool the inside of a vehicle?
Not enough to make a significant difference!
Even with the windows partially opened, the inside vehicle temperature can soar to over 120 degrees.
Why are pets more susceptible to heat exhaustion than humans?
Pets do not have the ability to sweat like humans.
Pets must rely on panting to lower their body temperatures.
What are the symptoms of heatstroke for a pet?
Fast and frantic noisy breathing
Glazed eyes
Rapid pulse
Unsteadiness
A bright red, deep red or purple tongue
Vomiting
Unsteady walking/ staggering
Diarrhea, possibly with blood
Pale blue or gray lips
Coma
Death
What is emergency treatment for a pet distressed by heat?
Remove your pet from the hot environment.
Contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital for advice.
Allow your pet access to water but limit their consumption.
Cool your dog by hosing, immersing in a cool, not cold, bath.
Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet's head, neck, and chest only.
Circulate the air around your pet – an electric fan, air conditioner or hand fan.
What should I do if my pet is exposed to high temperatures?
Provide your animal with fresh, cool water.
Limit your animal’s physical activity.
Allow your animal to rest in a cool place.
Remember the ground may still be warm even in the shade.
