BOISE, Idaho — The Treasure Valley has seen a heatwave over the last few days.
Temperatures are starting to cool down, but the Idaho Humane Society and Boise Police are still encouraging people to take all of the proper precautions when it comes to heat and loved ones.
The "Look Before You Lock" campaign started two years ago when Boise Police, Idaho Humane Society, St. Luke's, and more teamed up to spread awareness about leaving behind pets and children in hot cars.
According to Animal Care and Control, there were 56 cases in June where animals were left in a hot car.
"We never want it to get to where an animal or human being is injured, and that's something that can never be changed," Idaho Humane Society PR and Communications Manager, Kristine Schellhaas says.
Temperatures average around 90 degrees in the summer, which means a parked car can heat up to 109 degrees in just 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the car could heat up to 129 degrees.
"When the temperatures are even in the 80's, if you wait about half an hour, those temperatures could easily reach in the high 90's and the 100's," Schellhaas says.
Anyone can face criminal charges if they are caught leaving a pet or child in a hot car.
"These are cases that we do prosecute, and we have several that are being prosecuted right now. It is a misdemeanor, and it's up to five years in jail or a $500 fine," Schellhaas says. "This is not something that is going away. This is something we do see increasing every single year, no matter how much education we put into things."
If you see an animal or child in a hot car, make sure you call Animal Control or the police. You should also get video evidence to prove the animal or child is in distress.
