24 cats rescued from hot car near Los Angeles
The cats are being monitored by a team of vets.
Two dozen cats are on the mend after they were found locked in a hot car in the Los Angeles area without food, water, or cracked windows.
According to a Facebook post by the Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA, the temperature in the car was around 50°C. They were spotted by an employee of a nearby convention centre.
Officers opened the vehicle and rescued the 24 cats, which had been trapped in filthy conditions.
The Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA said the cats were assessed by veterinary staff and are being monitored.
CARS HEAT UP QUICKLY ON HOT DAYS
When the temperature is 26 degrees Celsius outside, experts say the temperature can climb to 32 degrees inside a car that's parked in the shade, and 71 degrees if the car is parked in the sun within minutes.
"Animals and hot cars just don't mix," reads a statement on the Cornwall Police website.
"Many pets die each year as a result of being left in parked cars during warm weather. Temperatures inside a parked car rapidly reach well over 38 degrees Celsius (100 F) on a relatively mild day during the summer, even if the car is parked in the shade. A dog's normal body temperature is about 39 degrees Celsius (102 F). A dog can withstand a body temperature of 41 degrees Celsius (106 F) for only a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage or even death."
In Canada, people who leave animals unattended in a car in a manner that risks health and safety could be charged under a provincial SPCA act and under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Penalties include possible jail time, a lifetime ban against owning animals, and up to $60,000 in fines.
Courtesy: Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA/Facebook
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
When traveling in a car with your dog, experts recommend leaving a person in the vehicle to monitor the animal. If you plan on being out for an extended period, leave your pet at home.
Should you come across an unattended animal locked inside a hot car, contact your local SPCA or police immediately.
