In the wake of new legislation, the Miami County Animal Shelter is encouraging local residents to protect their animals and their cars by practicing summer safety. A “Good Samaritan” bill was presented and signed into law by Governor John Kasich at the end of May and is scheduled to take effect by August 29, 2016. The new law enables Ohio residents to break into cars where a child or animal is in danger of overexposure to heat.

The law does come with limitations. Doors have to be checked to see if the animal or child is locked in the vehicle. If access to the interior is prevented and the outside temperatures clearly endanger the life of the child or pet inside a vehicle, a person must call 911 to alert the authorities before they can break a window and perform a rescue. Marcia Doncaster, the Director and Dog Warden of the Miami County Animal Shelter suggests that any would-be rescuers carefully document a situation with a phone camera and dispatcher before breaking into a car. “I imagine the ramifications of this law will take some people off guard,” Doncaster said. “But it will require people to be more careful.”

On an upcoming television program for Piqua TV5, Doncaster will be hosting an episode of “Wags & Whiskers” in which she will address potential issues of summer pet safety with viewers. “When it is just 80 degrees outside, the temperature in a car can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes,” Doncaster said. “Heatstroke can occur and lead to brain damage or death; leaving the windows partially rolled down will not help.”

Animal Shelter associates have seen the effects of heat on pets and are often called by concerned neighbors who wish to prevent abuse of dogs left outdoors. “We usually get a call once or twice a week,” Doncaster said. “I always tell people, if they’re keeping their pet outside, it is required by law that the animal has to have shelter and water.” Doncaster specified that shelter, according to law, is a structure with a roof and walls for protection. The underneath of a car is not shelter, according to Doncaster.

The Miami County Animal Shelter gives a list of symptoms identifying an animal suffering from heat stress:

Heavy panting

Glazed eyes

Rapid pulse

Unsteadiness

Staggering gait

Vomiting

Deep red/purple tongue

First aid to lower a pet’s body temperature includes:

Moving them into the shade

Pouring cool (not cold) water over their entire body

Applying ice packs or cold towels to head, neck and chest only

Letting the pet lick ice cubes or ice cream but limited access to cold water

Taking the pet to vet immediately

Pet traveling tips will be offered in more extensive detail by Doncaster and the Miami County Animal Shelter via their website and television broadcast this coming month. For more information on pet summer safety and traveling, see the Miami County Animal Shelter website at www.co.miami.oh.us/shelter