Well, since my post yesterday suggested keeping a dog in a crate in a vehicle, I thought this would be an interesting post.
Here's a link to an article related to a dog that was left in a pickup truck.
What is your opinion? Do you think it is ok or not to leave a dog in a car/truck/van?
My opinion - each scenario is different. Here are some guidelines:
1 - If it is not too hot or too cold, than it is ok. The dogs are better prepared for cold weather than we are (though not hot - be careful with that end!). If you have a short haired dog, you might want to get a jacket/sweater/coat for it to help it stay warm (general guideline - if your dog is shivering after a walk in the cold weather than it needs a jacket!).
2 - If we provide them with what they need than I don't see a problem. Give them water, fresh air and keep the temperatures at a decent level and they should be fine.
3 - If the owner goes out and checks on the dog regularly (like every couple of hours ... even every 4 would do) than they should be fine
How would this be different from all those dogs that have to live in outdoor kennels? Well, for one, it would be warmer not to mention that they are able to be up on the seat with soft cushions. Two, you are out there a few times through the day (attention they wouldn't get from being in a kennel).
Why does Canine Control and Police get called out to an instance like this if they don't shutdown kennels? My opinion is that they should start cracking down on the worse offenders where the dogs are in real trauma.
4 comments:
I do agree that there should be an element of common sense involved, but in the last two states I've lived in (Arizona and Ohio) it is illegal to leave an animal in a vehicle unsupervised. In Arizona it made sense, since summer temperatures were over 100F outside; cracking the windows was completely useless and the car could heat up to 150F or more in a very short amount of time.
I was a little surprised to discover that it was illegal in Ohio. During the summer, it does get too hot, but the rest of the year I don't see the problem, as long as the dog is comfortable.
Even in Vermont police will show up if a dog is left in a car too long.
I never do it, but would likely lock them in with heat or a/c running. Not green, but not unkind...
All about using common sense.....which most people don't do. Thats why it's good to have laws against it. I would NEVER leave a dog outside in a kennel in freezing temperatures, or extreme heat either. No different.
Of course there are exceptions to everything. One of my dogs is a little bigger, and has quite long hair, so he can wait in an unheated car for up to 10 minutes....My dads farm dogs spend lots of time outside in the winter.
In the summer...no more than 3 minutes in the complete shade, and all four windows down far. Otherwise, leave it running with air conditioning.
Go Arizona and Ohio!
I don't think it is illegal here. I know that there are certain things you must do to keep the dog comfortable, but other than that, the actual act of leaving a dog in a car isn't illegal. Certain circumstances are though - if it is too hot or if there is no water provided than they are allowed to break your windows to get into your vehicle. Any means necessary.
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