Warm weather is back – so are the dangers

With the warm weather expected to last through the weekend, Bend police have a familiar, but necessary to repeat warning: Don’t leave your kids or animals locked in your car.

They said Friday they’ve seen a recently rise in the number of calls regarding dogs locked in hot cars.

Community Service Officer Bob Gaede says you can’t just leave your animal in the car on hot days with the windows rolled down.

“There is a point where it just gets so hot outside that the air flow is not enough,” Gaede said.

He says many times, people think they are going to just be a few minutes in the grocery store or on other errands they are running.

“Before they know it, they’ve been in too long — and it becomes a dangerous situation for both children and dogs,” Gaede said.

Bend police say if they find an animal suffering or appears to be in distress, and they are unable to reach the owner, they will take action to save the animal.

“We don’t want to see people getting in trouble in these types of situations,” Gaede said, “but we also don’t want to see dogs be jeopardized, either.”

Karen Burns, shelter manager at the Humane Society of Central Oregon, says animal control officers are being called to check on four to eight animals a day, now that the weather is warming up.

She says you should know the warning signs, in case you come across an animal in need.

“The drooling, panting, really red gums and being very lethargic,” Burns said.

She says you should not take action on your own, but rather call police at the Deschutes County non-emergency phone number, (541) 693-6911.