REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - The Rehoboth Beach Animal Issues Committee held a meeting Tuesday afternoon aimed to educate pet owners on the risks of leaving your dog in a hot car.
“Even on a 85 degree day if they are left in a car without the windows rolled down it can reach up to 110 degrees in 10 minutes, and for 30 minutes it can reach up to 125 degrees,” said Chad Miller, owner of Pet Wants.
The committee says, so far this has not been an issue, but “I think we have the same mindset that prevention is the best route,” said member Cheryl Crowe.
The committee plans to create a public information campaign to raise awareness of the dangers that come with leaving your pet in a closed car, and even an open vehicle, like a truck bed.
“Any extra advice or incentives to have that recognition, to be conscious of leaving your dog in a car, anything is welcoming,” said Miller.
Those ideas include publishing information on the city website, radio PSAs, a variable message sign on Rehoboth Avenue, and possibly placing magnets on parking meters.
“One to two people are waiting to pay for their parking spot. It's visible, it’s right there, in my mind the investment’s a no brainer. And if city PD has to respond to a call you know it's right there,” said Miller.
Commissioner Dick Byrne had reservations about the magnets, but he says the committee will implement the other preventative measures and see where it goes after the season.
The next meeting is in October, but no specific date has been set yet.