As the first weekend of spring brings warmer temperatures to El Paso, animal control officers say they are already seeing an uptick in heat-related calls and cases where pets are being left outside without basic care.
At Westside Community Park in West El Paso, Animal Services Field Supervisor Ashley Herrera said officers have been responding to more calls involving “standards of care” issues, including animals left in backyards without proper shelter, water or food.
“We have given out about 200 citations the past two weeks alone, and honestly, it’s going to go up,” Herrera said. “Right now we’ve been seeing calls for standards of care animals don’t have proper shelter, water or food in their backyard. And with the summer heat coming, those are the calls we’re going to see all the time.”
El Paso Animal Services said it has responded to more than 500 calls and handed out close to 300 citations this month alone. Many of those cases involve pets without shade or water.
Herrera emphasized the importance of hydration and shade as temperatures rise.
“Water is very important. They need to have access to fresh water and clean water at all times, especially during this heat. Shade is a big time, number one,” Herrera said.
She also recommended ways to help pets cool down outdoors.
“I highly recommend a little kiddie pool with water. It helps definitely, especially if it gets too hot, the animal can cool itself,” Herrera said.
Animal Services recommends having one doghouse per dog outside and walking pets in the early morning or at sundown.
Herrera also warned that even with windows cracked open, cars are always 10 degrees hotter, and leaving pets alone in a hot car can become deadly within minutes.
Some pet owners said they adjust routines to keep animals cool and hydrated. Raven Armiro said, “And I make sure that he’s hydrated and he stays with me all the time. So I’m cool. He’s cool.”
Another family said, “So we tried to take her out during midday, but we always have water and we’re always in the shade.” They added, “Belle is an inside dog, she’s inside in the AC and enjoy the day.”
Robert Smith said his household avoids the hottest parts of the day, saying, “We usually go out in the morning around 7.30, and then we go out again around 12. when the heat hits, we’re inside the house. So we come out at this time of night in the school, and yeah, so we don’t go out in the heat, because these guys will get burnt out.”
Animal control officials said neglect cases are likely to increase with rising temperatures and can result in a Class C misdemeanor. Anyone who suspects an animal is in danger is advised to report it to 311.
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