In The News

Police Chiefs Partner with the Humane Society of Missouri to Advise the Public of Proper Pet Care During Dog Days of Summer

Chiefs Joe Mokwa and Jerry Lee with Rhiannon, a dog who was rescued from a hot vehicle in 2004.

St. Louis Chief of Police Joe Mokwa and Jerry Lee, Chief of the St. Louis County Police Department, have joined forces with the Humane Society of Missouri to provide advice to the public regarding proper pet care during hot summer days. 

Top on the list of tips to pet owners from the Humane Society and police departments:

• Never leave pets in parked cars when the weather is hot -- it is inhumane and illegal and can cause severe injury or even death of the pet within minutes.
  
• Ensure your pet has adequate shelter, food and water – that’s the law!  If your pet’s outside, be sure it has plenty of cool water and proper shade.  When the temperature is scorching, bring your pet inside.  If it’s too hot outside for you, it’s too hot for your furry friend.

In addition, the Humane Society of Missouri has equipped police officers with informational flyers to distribute to remind people of the dangers of leaving pets in parked cars.

The two chiefs participated in the production of public service announcements on weather related pet safety. The announcements were created for television and radio stations to use to remind St. Louisians of the dangers hot weather can pose to pets. Rhiannon, a dog rescued from a hot vehicle in 2004, appears in the spots.   A passerby noticed Rhiannon suffering inside a hot car and saved her life.  The Humane Society of Missouri wants to make sure Rhiannon’s brush with death does not happen to any other St. Louis pets.

View Hot Weather Pet Safety Public Service Announcement

For additional copies of the Hot Weather Pet Safety Public Service Announcement featuring St. Louis City and County Police Chiefs, Joe Mokwa and Jerry Lee, please contact the Humane Society of Missouri, 314-951-1517.

To report an animal in heat-related jeopardy, please call the Humane Society of Missouri at (314) 647-4400 and your police department. 

For more hot weather tips, click here.