Basketball star has message to save pets

Each of us can play a role in helping animals left in a vehicle in extreme temperatures.

Lonnie Walker IV already has made his community proud with his exploits on the basketball court.

He’ll be long remembered for his role leading the Reading High School Red Knights to a long-awaited state championship in 2017, followed by a successful stint at the University of Miami and his selection as a 2018 first-round NBA draft pick by the San Antonio Spurs.

Walker’s debut pro season was marred by injuries, but hopes are high for him to have a breakout second year. While fans await Walker’s ascendance to NBA stardom, this week he’s getting attention for important work that has nothing to do with sports.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, released a video in which Walker helps to demonstrate the danger of leaving dogs in closed cars when temperatures are hot.

In the video, which can be seen on readingeagle.com, Walker is left sitting in the back seat of a car. He sweats and grows dizzy as the vehicle’s interior temperature reaches 109 degrees in just 20 minutes before the door is opened.

In the real world, of course, it’s dogs that often are left in cars to endure stifling, extremely dangerous conditions. And as the PETA video points out, dogs are at a greater risk of suffering heatstroke than humans are.

The video sends two important messages: Don’t leave dogs in a hot car; and those who encounter dogs in that situation should do something about it rather than treating it as someone else’s problem.

“If you see a dog alone in a hot car, take down the car’s information and contact the dog’s guardians,” Walker urges in the video. “Or just call the authorities. You could save a life.”

There’s no denying that PETA’s views and tactics can rub many people the wrong way, but this is an instance where the group’s penchant for getting attention should be welcomed by everyone.

According to Humane PA, a car’s internal temperature can heat up to 116 degrees within an hour. On an 80 degree day, a car’s internal temperature can shoot up to a sweltering 99 degrees in just 10 minutes. Lowering the window has little effect.

It’s important to raise awareness of this issue, especially since a new Pennsylvania law has made it easier for officials to respond to these situations.

A measure enacted late in 2018 allows a police officer or humane officer to remove a dog or cat from an unattended motor vehicle if they believe the animal is suffering and is endangered after a reasonable search for the owner or operator of the vehicle.

The law protects officials from liability for any damages caused by their efforts to rescue the animal.

An officer who removes a dog or cat from an unattended vehicle must take it to a veterinary hospital or animal care clinic for a health screening and treatment. A conspicuous note explaining the animal’s whereabouts is to be left for the owner.

Under the law, it is considered neglect if a dog or cat is confined in an unattended vehicle in a manner that would endanger its health.

It’s worth noting that the law also applies to dogs and cats in unattended vehicles during extreme cold weather, another dangerous activity. Leaving the heat on doesn’t help, as the hot air and fumes can endanger an animal as well.

Each of us can play a role in helping animals left in a vehicle in extreme temperatures. Listen to Lonnie Walker IV and take the time to act.

According to Humane PA, a car’s internal temperature can heat up to 116 degrees within an hour. On an 80 degree day, a car’s internal temperature can shoot up to a sweltering 99 degrees in just 10 minutes.