June 25, 2005

RESCUE GROUP: 5 DOGS KILLED IN HEAT
By ANN ZANIEWSKI
Of The Oakland Press

At least five dogs died of heat exhaustion Friday in Pontiac, according to an animal rescue group.
“With no water and full sun, they sit out there and fry,” said Marie Skladd, president of the Animal Care Network. “It’s a horrible death.”

The dogs, either dead or dying, were discovered by an animal control officer and network volunteers. They were in back yards and had no shade or water.

Skladd said five is the highest number of dogs volunteers have found dead in a single day from heat in the network’s 15-year history. Volunteers estimate that at least 20 dogs have died so far this year in Pontiac from heat exhaustion.

The National Weather Service recorded a high temperature of 91 degrees Friday at its forecast office in White Lake Township.

Skladd said owners need to make sure dogs have constant shade. Even doghouses should sit outside direct sunlight.

Animals always need to have a supply of cool, clean water. She suggested adding ice cubes to the water bowl.
Gently spraying an animal with a hose when filling its water bowl will help keep it cool.

Owners need to constantly check on their animals, Skladd said.

Animal Care Network volunteers distribute food, water, hay and other supplies to neglected animals in Pontiac. The group is a branch of the Michigan Animal Adoption Network.