The Humane Society of Marion County is reminding residents that summer heat brings unsafe conditions in cars for animals.
Multiple local animal agencies have taken to social media to remind Ocala and Marion County residents that cars overheat quickly, even when a window has been cracked.
Young, overweight and elderly animals are most at risk for overheating, as well as those with short muzzles, or thick or dark-colored coats.
Once the air temperature in Florida reaches 85 to 90 degrees, the interior of a car can reach temperatures over 125 degrees.
It is a violation of Marion County law to leave an animal in an unattended motor vehicle “without sufficient ventilation or under conditions for such a period of time as may reasonably be expected to endanger the health or well-being” of the animal. The statute authorizes any animal control or enforcement officer to use force in order to free an animal from a vehicle.
If you see an animal trapped in a car on a hot day, try to locate the owner or alert emergency personnel while you wait with the animal until assistance arrives.