With summer here and temperatures expected to soar this week, Renton Police are again reminding residents to not leave dogs in cars as it only takes a few minutes locked in a heated car to become a dangerous situation.

This week police have already responded to several incidents, including one in which a car was parked in the shade with both both windows half-down where the temperature inside the car was still 116 degrees.

Also of note is a new law SB5501 that limits police liability from property damage when removing animals from enclosed spaces.

Quick facts

• A car’s temperature will rise approximately 40 degrees in an hour on a 72-degree day, most of the increase occurring within 30 min;

• Cracking windows doesn’t help cool car or keep temp from rising, there needs to be a significant opening;

• On a hot day internal car temps can reach 120 degrees in a few minutes;

• Shade doesn’t help, dogs can also succumb to heat stroke.

What to look for

• Tongue out/extended with heavy panting;

• Rapid heart rate (keep in mind, some dogs are territorial and get more excited protecting their car;

• Lots of clear drool; and

• Laying low to the floor trying to escape the heat.

SB 5501

Section 1. Prohibit Unsafe Confinement of Animals in Vehicles and Other Enclosed Spaces and Authorize Removal of Animals for Their Safety

Animal control officers and other law enforcement personnel may be called upon to remove animals from vehicles and other enclosed spaces when the animals’ health or lives are at risk from extreme temperatures; lack of ventilation; or over an extended period, lack of water. This section specifies the conditions under which officers may remove animals; limits officers’ liability for property damage when damage results from authorized removal of animals; and creates a Class 2 Civil Infraction penalty for unsafely confining animals.

If you see an animal in a hot car and the owner cannot be located, call the police non-emergency number at 425-430-7500.