News

On September 20 at around 2 p.m., Valley River Center security officers called to report a younger adult, male husky in distress within a black Toyota Prius that had the windows rolled up. A Eugene animal welfare officer arrived on scene and observed the Husky trying to seek shade from the sun curled on the floorboard of the driver seat of the car. The husky also had several drainage tubes protruding from shaved spots on two of its legs from probable surgery.

Several bystanders were gathered around the vehicle. The AWO made several attempts to unlock the door without damaging the vehicle. After the AWO measured the internal temperature of the vehicle at 116 degrees Fahrenheit, he forced entry into the vehicle and safely got the dog out of the car and provided water in the shade.

The husky was wearing dog tags with contact information leading to the owner, Katherine Rose Ornedo Golez, age 29, of Woodland Hills, CA, who was reportedly travelling back to California when she and her companion decided to stop and shop at the mall for approximately three hours before their time in the mall was cut short by a phone call from a police officer assisting the AWO. She was cited for Animal Neglect in the Second Degree. Case 20-15679

Eugene Animal Services is urging people to not leave their pets unattended inside a vehicle, even for a just few minutes. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly, easily causing an animal to experience heat stroke or brain damage, even with windows slightly open and the vehicle parked under shade. It is important to note animals do not have to experience distress or heat stroke for a person to be cited for animal neglect. Under 4.340 of Eugene Code, minimum care requires an animal have access to water and not be confined in an area where air temperature is not suitable. To help investigate cases of animal neglect, the animal welfare officers and police officers are all equipped with digital thermometers.

Heatstroke symptoms can include: restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, vomiting, and lack of coordination. If your animal is overcome by heat exhaustion, consult your veterinarian right away.

If you notice an animal in distress or unresponsive in a parked car, call 911. If an animal is not in distress and it is quicker to locate the owner you may consider that in addition to calling for help.

Please take additional precautions to keep your pets safe at home or when traveling.

· Make sure pets have access to water bowls full of cool, fresh water.

· Keep pets inside during the heat of the day; do not leave them outside unattended.

· Dogs should not ride in uncovered pickup truck beds. The hot metal truck bed can burn your pet’s paw pads.

· When pets are outside, be sure to provide shaded areas for them to rest in and invest in a misting hose or kiddie pool for a cool place for your pets to play.

· Limit or skip on exercise and time at the dog park during the heat of the day.

· Always test the pavement or sand with your hand before setting out (too hot to touch is too hot for your pet), walk early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler, carry water and take frequent breaks in shady spots. If you suspect your pet’s paws have been burned, contact your vet immediately.

Here is an example of how quickly a vehicle heats up: