KidsAndCars.org announces alliance with Animal Care Organizations - Pet Night on Capitol Hill

KidsAndCars.org is joining forces with a coalition of animal care organizations in support of the HOT CARS Act of 2017 (see below). This new collaboration will help prevent hot car tragedies involving children, animals, and other vulnerable members of our society.  As part of Pet Night on Capitol Hill, KidsAndCars.org President Janette Fennell and VP Sue Auriemma attended the event along with representatives from the organizations who are a part of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Coalition (PIJAC).  U.S House Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL) and Tim Ryan (OH) were also there to highlight their sponsorship of the HOT CARS Act.  As original cosponsors, the Congress people underscored that the technology called for in the HOT CARS Act protecting children from being left alone in a hot car can also protect pets.  Rep. Schakowsky’s sweet dog, Ellie, won the “Cutest Pet” award and we totally agree!   Every year, children, the disabled, elderly and animals perish from heatstroke inside motor vehicles. Much like children, dogs lack the ability to effectively regulate their body temperatures, which makes them extremely vulnerable to heatstroke. This is especially the case in cars, where the greenhouse effect can cause the interior temperature to quickly rise to deadly levels.   “Our coalition came together as a result of pet care professionals’ concern for the health of animals that are found trapped in hot cars,” said the PIJAC Mike Bober, a spokesperson for the coalition. “As Congress joins many states and localities in protecting children from the potentially deadly consequences of hot cars, coalition members wanted to ensure that pets are not forgotten.”   The organizations that make up the coalition include the American Animal Hospital Association, American Pet Products Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Center for Pet Safety, Human Animal Bond Research Institute, National Animal Interests Alliance, Petco, Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, Pet Leadership Council, Pet Partners, and World Pet Association.