BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Although there was a little less humidity this week, the summer heat is sticking with us for another month, and some Brunswick County residents are asking for help in helping dogs in need.
Homestead Animal Rescue is a 100-acre farm in Supply.
They are collecting signatures on a petition supporting a “Shadow Dog Protection Ordinance” in Brunswick County.
There is no obligation for dog owners to provide their animals with sufficient shade when kept outdoors.
Mary Ann Harris is the executive director of the rescue center. She said a dog died of heat stroke last week due to the conditions in which it was kept.
“We see this all the time, all the rescue groups see this all the time,” Harris said. “The dogs are chained outside, they’re in pens in direct sun, with no shade, no access to drinking water. But there’s nothing we can do about it because the word shade isn’t in our ordinance, so there’s nothing they can do to protect the dog.”
Dr. Page Dyer is a veterinarian at Sandy Paws Veterinary Hospital.
She said it can be difficult for dogs to keep cool when kept outside and in confined spaces.
“The only way they can release heat is through their paw pads and by panting,” Dyer said. “So unless they’re in a shaded area, they have trouble releasing the heat, even if they’re panting. There’s no cooling, there’s no relief. If they’re in a small area, it’s difficult for them to walk around to cool down and release the heat through their paws.”
Dyer added that igloos, dog houses and blue barrels can also get very hot in direct sunlight, up to 49 degrees Celsius inside.
The petition already has more than 500 signatures, and Harris hopes to get enough signatures to get the attention of Brunswick County Commissioners.
A link to the petition can be found here
