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Animal experts warn to keep pets out of hot cars

Posted at 7:08 PM, Jul 15, 2014
and last updated 2014-07-15 21:08:32-04

SALT LAKE CITY -- As temperatures get higher so do the number of calls to Salt Lake County Animals Services.

Already this summer officers have responded to more than 200 calls about pets left in cars.

“We are busy all day, we have officers working from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at night,” said Robert. Lewis, Field Operations Manager for Salt Lake County Animal Services.

Field officers can gauge the temperature inside a parked car using thermo readers.

Lewis said people don't realize the temperature in their car can jump 30 to 40 degrees in a matter of minutes.

Animal services say oddly enough there are three locations that they go to more than anywhere else: the Hogle Zoo, Walmart at 1300 S. 300 West and Costco, located at 1818 S. 300 West.

The animal expert reminds people animals in cars could be found anywhere and if seen, to call 911 or animal services.

Salt Lake County Animal Services says people can face animal cruelty charges for leaving their pet in a vehicle.