Seven pets have died of heat-related illness in Maricopa County this year — all within the last three weeks.
Arizona Humane Society spokesperson Jennifer Armbruster said at this time last year, there had only been two.
“I think what’s most troubling is the majority of these deaths have actually been from dogs that have been in their own backyards or they’ve been on a patio in a condo or an apartment,” Armbruster said.
The animals were left outside without access to food, water or shelter. Armbruster said people who see an animal left outside in someone’s yard can call the police or the Humane Society for help.
The Arizona Good Samaritan Law allows people to take action if you they see a pet or a child locked inside of a hot car.
"You could dial 911 and if you believe that pet — or if it's a child — is in the car, you're able to use the least force available to you to open that car door and get that pet out to safety,” Armbruster said.
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A Chandler woman at the center of an animal cruelty case was sentenced this week to three and a half years in prison and seven years probation. -
As metro Phoenix continues to sprawl, there’s a push and pull between the people and the wildlife that call this place home. It means resources — including habitats — are limited. But there are efforts to ensure wildlife have what they need to survive. -
There’s been a sharp increase in canine parvo cases in Maricopa County and on tribal lands. According to the Arizona Humane Society, cases have quadrupled compared to this time last year. -
A new study that started at Northern Arizona University found the amount of salt in an environment significantly limits population growth for Earth’s largest herbivores. -
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says it's looking for ways to make hundreds of wildlife refuges and dozens of fish hatcheries more efficient.
