COLUMBUS, Ind. — Bartholomew County Animal Control is monitoring the living conditions of outdoor animals amid the ongoing heat wave.
During the time for public comment at Monday’s county commissioner meeting, Nancy Ray requested that the county’s animal control officers make “welfare checks” on animals that live outdoors during this week’s intense heat.
“We have already had a conversation with our animal control people, and they are going to be out looking,” replied Commissioner Larry Kleinhenz.
“It does appear that the next two weeks are going to be kind of a scorcher compared to what we’ve been used to,” said Commissioner Carl Lienhoop.
The county was under an excessive heat warning, as of Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service, a high near 94 is predicted for Thursday, with heat index values as high as 100. While temperatures are expected to be lower over the weekend — with a high near 82 on Saturday — Monday’s high is forecast at about 94, and Tuesday’s is 96.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, pets should have plenty of shade and fresh, cold water any time they are outdoors on a hot day.
“Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow,” the society recommends. “A doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse.”
More guidance for animal care amid summer heatwaves is available at humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat.
