Two dogs die in heat, left outside

Updated: Thursday, 08 Jul 2010, 7:21 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 08 Jul 2010, 4:03 PM EDT

* Tricia Cruz
* Posted by: Kellie Mazur

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Aisha Luper, of the Town of Tonawanda, has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty.

Luper left her two dogs, a male and a female American Bull Dog mix, chained to the house with no access to shade or water from 7:30 AM until 12:40 PM.

The SPCA tells News 4 the dog had temperatures so high, they couldn't even be read by a thermometer, which goes up to 110 degrees.

The dogs were chained up in their owner's backyard on Boswell Place in the Town of Tonawanda. News 4 is told there was no visible access to shade or water. A few neighbors called the SPCA, around 12:40 PM, then the owner called asking for help in removing the dogs that had already died.

An investigator from the SPCA arrived, News 4 is told he couldn't even hold the chains from around the dogs neck because it was too hot.

"The owner appeared to be extremely distraught over the death of the animals. And there has to be some guilt that plays in here. I think it's very difficult because it seems that pet owners know heat stroke can kill a pet but I don't think they know how quick it can happen. And sadly I think there are pet owners that don't even know heat stroke is a concern until it actually happens to them or to their pets," said Gina Browning, an SPCA spokesperson.

News 4 has been told that the SPCA has warned her before about not letting her pets stay outside.

The SPCA says that, in this type of weather, dogs should not be left outside for more than fifteen minutes. And if you do bring your dogs outside make sure they have access to shade and water.


http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/local/two-dogs-die-in-heat

Protecting furry friends from the heat

Updated: Tuesday, 06 Jul 2010, 5:32 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 06 Jul 2010, 5:32 PM EDT

* Lia Lando
* Posted by: Kellie Mazur

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - It certainly is the dog days of summer. Pet owners need to make sure their dogs and cats are protected from the heat too!

Just like humans, pets are prone to heat stress especially pets who are overweight, older or have a thicker coat. To protect your dog or cat from heat stress and stroke make sure they are drinking enough water and aren't spending too much time in the heat.

Experts also say feeding more frequent smaller meals throughout the day helps reduce heat generated by the digestive system.

Also, grooming your pet helps by removing loose fur. And remember do not leave your pet in a car! Temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly reach 120 degrees.

Gina Browning of the SPCA said, "I don't think people realize how quickly heat stroke can set in for an animal. Even if the car is parked in the shade with the windows slightly open it still is extremely dangerous so don't bring the animals outside in the car at all even if you think it is going to be for a short period of time. Heat stroke can set in very quickly and lead to brain damage and even death. Keep animals in doors don't leave them outside on second floor porches we've been receiving several calls on that this year!"

If your pet becomes overheated it's important to lower his body temperature. Move your pet to the shade and apply cold towels or ice packs to his head, neck and chest and get him to the vet.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy panting or difficulty breathing, weakness, increased heart rate, drooling, diarrhea and vomiting...

If your pet shows any of these signs do what you can to lower his body temperature and bring your pet to the vet immediately.


http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/buffalo...-from-the-heat

Thats disgusting that someone would leave those dogs outside like that. Thanks for sharing the story donna.

No problem, Mark. My aim is to educate...and sometimes that means posting horribly sad/infuriating stories.

Yeah-like they don't have these stories on the news EVERY FREAKIN' SUMMER!!

These "people" should be locked in a semi for about 12 hours.

Let 'em FRY!!!