Ocean City Officials: Don't Leave Pets In Parked Car

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City officials have a message for this summer: don't leave your pets in a parked vehicle. The Humane Society of Ocean City has collaborated with Ocean City police to get the word out.

"Leaving your pets unattended can cause death within minutes," said HSOC Shelter Manager and Animal Control Officer Courtney Venzie. "Rising temperatures and vehicles being ventilated improperly are the main cause."

If you see a pet in danger, call 911, Venzie said.

Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion when left in parked vehicles, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. The temperature inside your vehicle can increase 20 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes, 30 degrees in 20 minutes and more than 40 degrees in an hour, the AVMA says.

A study from the Louisiana Office of Public Health found that the temperatures in a dark sedan and a light gray minivan parked on a hot, partly cloudy day exceeded 125 degrees within 20 minutes.

The HSOC also has recommendations regarding wildlife. Simple actions such as securing lids on your trash cans and having outdoor lights on motion detectors can help, Venzie said.

Last year, HSOC Animal Control officers responded to over 200 calls fore service. Venzie is proud to report that 35 were successful animal rescues. One instance included a juvenile raccoon trapped in a house who was happily reunited with its family.

HSOC Animal Control can be reached at 609-398-9500 ext. 3

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