Lawyers Save Dog, No One Gets Sued

Q:
How many lawyers does it take to save a dog’s life?

A: In this case, two, but they didn’t need
to use their law degrees to do it.

PETA
attorneys Jeff Kerr and Jared Goodman (who work for animals’ legal rights every day) were
on their way to talk about our landmark lawsuit in behalf of captive orcas when they spotted a dog trapped inside a car parked in the sun. The windows were
barely cracked, and although she had a water bowl, it was empty, and she was
panting heavily. There was no time to lose.

After having no luck searching for the
owner, our legal eagles called the police, but that was taking too long, so they
reached through a window and managed to unlock the door. The relieved pup flew
out and quickly gulped down a bowl of water.

When the dog’s guardians finally returned,
Jeff and Jared were waiting to explain that even on a mild day, dogs inside
parked cars can sustain heatstroke
or even brain damage in just minutes. They thanked our caring counsel for likely saving their dog’s
life.

Never
pass by a dog who has been left in a hot car. If you can’t locate the owner,
call the police. If they are slow to arrive and the
dog’s life appears to be in danger, try to find a witness who will back up your
assessment and get the suffering animal out via the least destructive means
available.

Watch for heatstroke symptoms such as restlessness, excessive
thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid
heartbeat, fever, vomiting, or lack of coordination. If a dog shows any of
these symptoms, get him or her into the shade immediately and call a veterinarian.
Lower the animal’s body temperature gradually by giving water to drink;
applying a cold towel or ice pack to the head, neck, and chest; or immersing
the dog in lukewarm (not cold) water.

You don’t have to be a lawyer to leap to
an animal’s defense.