High temps bring in more animal neglect calls

JACKSON, Tenn. — As temperatures become dangerously hot, officials in West Tennessee say they receive a large number of calls about animals outside in need of better care.

“There are a lot of concerned citizens that are worried about community and neighborhood dogs that aren’t necessarily being taken care of to the specs we normally would like to see,” Jackson Animal Control officer Whitney Owen said.

Owen checks in on dogs and cats across the city of Jackson, making sure pet owners are taking care of their animals.

“There’s very few dogs that are meant to withstand this level of heat, humidity we face in West Tennessee for extended periods of time,” Owen said. “If you have no other option and your dog has to remain outdoors, shade is an absolute must.”

Animal control officials say you should also be aware of a Tennessee state law dealing with animals in hot cars. Someone can break your window if they see an animal in danger.

“Not just an officer, but if any person sees an animal in distress in your vehicle, they can legally bust the window out of your car to render aid to the animal and not face any prosecution and liability. A lot of people don’t realize that,” Owen said.

Owen said making sure plenty of fresh water gets into the dog bowl is a must. If they don’t have shade, she says to set up a tarp or some type of covering. In this heat, however, the best solution is to bring them inside.

“If you have accepted the responsibility of having, owning a pet, it’s your responsibility to make sure that pet is taken care of to the best of your ability,” Owen said.

You can reach Jackson Animal Control at 731-425-8430. You can call the Jackson Police Department non-emergency line at 731-425-8400 on nights and weekends.