— from Sheriff Ron Krebs —

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office just wants to remind everyone that with the warmer temperatures, it is especially important to remember to not leave your animals in your cars.

The temperature today hit 86 degrees but was listed as “feels like 90 degrees.” This means that within minutes, the temperature inside your car can reach as high as 120 degrees. Dogs and pets have no way of cooling themselves other than panting. Even with an adequate supply of water, at 110 degrees they are susceptible to heatstroke. Do them a favor and take them out of the car with you or leave them at home where they are safe.

Leaving your pet in the car could result in an infraction or lead to charges of Animal Cruelty, which is a gross misdemeanor.

Go to www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/pets-in-vehicles.aspx for more information.