Reno, NV….Washoe County Regional Animal Services will put members of the local media on the hot seat Monday to emphasize the dangers of leaving pets inside enclosed vehicles, even for a short time.

The forecast for Monday, June 9, calls for temperatures in the mid-nineties. Washoe County Regional Animal Services Director Barry Brode is taking advantage of the rising temperatures to host a media demonstration that he hopes will help turn the tide on the rising number of “Dog in Hot Vehicle” reports received by his agency.

Brode said he is asking members of the media to attempt to spend between 15 to 30 minutes inside an enclosed vehicle with a member of Animal Services’ staff and a thermometer to demonstrate what it feels like as interior temperatures swiftly rise to levels that can be 20 degrees or warmer than outside temperatures. REMSA staff will be on hand to monitor the impact of the hot car experience on participants.

“It takes only a few minutes on a warm day for animals to succumb to heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” Brode said.  “Even a short trip can include delays that endanger your pet’s safety. Your best bet is to leave your pet at home.”

Public Invited/Free Hot Dogs:

The public is invited to observe this demonstration. From 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m., a local hot dog vendor, Hotdog Rod, will be on hand with free hot dogs for the first 100 visitors. Brode said he hopes this will help to emphasize the importance of the issue of “hot dogs.”

WHAT:           Washoe County Animal Services “Hot Seat” Media Demonstration

WHEN:           1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2014; Hot Dog Vendor on site from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

WHERE:         Washoe County Regional Animal Services, 2825-A Longley Lane, Reno

CONTACT:    Barry Brode (775) 328–2142

So far this year there have been no reported pet fatalities related to pets left in hot vehicles and Washoe County Regional Animal Services staff would like to keep it that way.

The public is encouraged to report distressed animals locked in hot cars immediately by contacting Washoe County Regional Animal Services dispatch at (775) 322-3647.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office celebrated 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Michael Haley is the 25th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County. His office continues to be the only full service public safety agency operating within northern Nevada and is responsible for operating the consolidated detention facility, regional crime lab, Northern Nevada Regional Intelligence Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process, traditional street patrols and Regional Animal Services.