Humane Society warns residents of dangers of leaving pets in cars as hot temperatures continue

PIKES PEAK REGION, Colo. (KRDO) -- As near record-breaking temperatures are expected to continue throughout the weekend, pet owners are being reminded of the dangers around leaving their animals in hot cars.

The Humane Society for the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) told KRDO13 its Animal Law Enforcement (ALE) team has received over 350 calls of animals left in hot cars since Memorial Day. Those numbers covered all of the ALE's jurisdiction across El Paso, Pueblo and Douglas counties, and the city of Centennial.

"Our biggest piece of advice is simple: please leave your pet at home," Cody Costra with HSPPR said. "Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise to dangerous levels and become life-threatening."

A release from HSPPR a few summers ago says on a 75-degree day, a car's internal temperature can reach almost 95 degrees in ten minutes. They say pets that are exposed to hot temperatures can suffer fever, organ failure, brain damage or even death.

HSPPR is reminding residents that if they see pets in a hot car, they should call ALE or a local law enforcement office to report it. If an animal appears to be in distress or is unconscious, call 911 immediately.

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