skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Israel, Iran trade strikes as Trump weighs U.S. involvement in conflict; Challenge to ND gender-affirming care ban in play, despite SCOTUS ruling; 'Jubilee Day' was honored before Juneteenth in 1800s Indiana; Ohio urged to restore $61M for foster care in final budget talks.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Lawmakers on both sides urge President Trump not to enter the Israel-Iran war. Supreme Court deals the transgender community a major blow by upholding a Tennessee state law.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Hurricane Helene mobilized the North Carolina community of Marshall in unexpected ways, giant data centers powering AI want cheap rural land but can face community pushback, and ceramics made by Cherokee potters honor multiple generations.

During Hotter Stretches, Pets Need to Stay Cool, Too

play audio
Play

Wednesday, August 16, 2023   

Next week, parts of Wisconsin will see the return of near 90-degree temperatures. Animal rights voices say as hot stretches become more common, it is important for pet owners to take short- and long-term precautions to keep their four-legged companions safe.

The Environmental Protection Agency said under the threat of climate change, the Midwest is experiencing heat waves in greater frequency.

Kristin Schrank, board vice president of the Wisconsin-based group Alliance for Animals, said in general, ripple effects from a warning planet pose threats in a variety of ways.

"We're experiencing extreme heat and cold, wildfires, smoke and poor air quality," Schrank outlined. "This is not only impacting humans on the planet and their companion animals, but it's also impacting wildlife."

For summer heat, Schrank said pet owners should always keep fresh and clean water accessible, along with a shady spot. For those with a yard, she suggested enhancing landscaping, such as adding trees or shrubs, is helpful. Cooling mats for dogs are another option. When taking pets on a walk, experts say you should be mindful of the hot pavement, and either put protective boots on the animal or have them stay along the grass.

Schrank noted like humans, pets will show signs of heat stress, such as vomiting and disorientation. And there are some more likely to be affected by hotter temperatures.

"If the animal is very young, very old, overweight, thick coated, all of those things make them more vulnerable or susceptible," Schrank pointed out.

Despite greater awareness, Schrank emphasized there are still tragic situations involving pets being left in hot vehicles or outside in the extreme heat with no protection. Last year, there were 57 heat-related pet deaths in the U.S. She added under Wisconsin law, there are certain civil liability protections for those who spring into action if they observe such a situation.

"Essentially, it does allow people to cause damage," Schrank explained. "For example, break into a locked vehicle that has an animal that is suffering inside due to heat."

Some animals are not included in the statute, such as farm animals. The person taking action also has to follow certain guidelines, such as calling 911.

Disclosure: The Alliance for Animals contributes to our fund for reporting on Animal Welfare, Endangered Species and Wildlife. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
A parklet is an elevated public space, usually converted from a parking space and used to enhance community experience and support local businesses. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Eight Wisconsin cities, including four rural communities, will receive improvements to help make their communities more livable. Eleven grantees …


Social Issues

play sound

A bill prohibiting credit reporting on Oregonians' medical debt has been signed into law by Gov. Tina Kotek. Hailed as a significant victory for …

Environment

play sound

June is World Oceans Month, and advocates are warning that industrial shipping pollution hurts both oceans and port communities. At least 31 …


Flowers and notes are placed outside the Brooklyn Park home of state Rep. Melissa Hortman after the Minnesota lawmaker and her husband were fatally shot in what police say was a politically motivated attack. (Mike Moen/PNS)

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesotans gathered at the state Capitol last night for a candlelight vigil for Rep. Melissa Hortman, D-Brooklyn Park, after she was assassinated …

Social Issues

play sound

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday released an opinion that allows Tennessee to keep in place a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. While seen …

More than 500 Ohio children were reported sleeping in county government offices over a one-year period due to a lack of foster care placements. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Ohio child welfare advocates are urging lawmakers to restore more than $60 million in funding to address the state's ongoing foster care placement cri…

Social Issues

play sound

A Pennsylvania literacy organization is commemorating the Juneteenth holiday by highlighting the history and contributions of Black people in the Unit…

Environment

play sound

Forest fires have broken out in parts of New Mexico that state forecasters had already warned would see an elevated wildfire risk this summer due to h…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021