Summer 2019 Hometown Messenger

Dog Days of Summer Here are a few reminders to ensure pets and humans have a safe summer: 1. KEEP YOUR PETS ON A LEASH. Dogs and cats must be either on the owner’s property or restrained by a leash at all times. Leashes should be no more than 10 feet in length. Any pets found running at large will be taken to the pound or, if licensed and the owner is identified, taken to the owner. EXCEPTION: Dogs may be unleashed under supervision at the Southbridge Community Park dog park. All dogs (resident or non-resident) using the dog park must be licensed in the city and properly vaccinated. 2. CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PET.

PROTECT YOUR PET

DID YOU KNOW?

On a warm day, the temperature inside of a vehicle can reach 120°F in a matter of minutes – even with the windows cracked. Because dogs don’t sweat, they can’t cool themselves. Their body temperature can rise quickly and they could suffer brain damage, organ damage or even die from heatstroke or suffocation.

Pet waste must be immediately removed from any public or private property. It's important to pick up pet waste since roundworms and other parasites linger in the soil for years. Beyond damaging your grass, the bacteria in pet waste causes cramps, diarrhea, intestinal illness and

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INSIDE CAR After 10minutes 90° 100° 110° 120°

serious kidney disorders in humans. Pet owners must have a poop bag (or another way to pick up waste) in their possession when walking their pet. Never put pet waste in the storm drain. 3. BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ANIMAL. Pet owners have a responsibility to ensure their animals are not a nuisance to others. This includes:

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IF YOU SEE A DOG IN A HOT CAR

• Habitually barking or crying • Chasing vehicles or individuals • Damaging or defiling property • Pestering people not on its property 4. LICENSE YOUR DOG.

Immediately call 952-445-1411 (in Scott County). Call your local non-emergency police dispatch number if in another county. Note the description of the vehicle, license plate number, specific vehicle location and description of the pet. Familiarize yourself with Minnesota’s Good Samaritan Law to know when you can intervene.

All dogs over 6 months must be licensed in the city. The city offers annual and lifetime licenses. Dog licenses can be purchased at the Community Center or online at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/pets.

Information from theShakopeePoliceDepartment www.ShakopeeMN.gov/police

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12 Hometown Messenger