Woman cited for
leaving puppy in car in
Wal-Mart parking lot
while shopping


By Misti Drew
Tribune-Courier Reporter
mdrew@tribunecourier.com

BENTON – With the heat indices rising to 110 degrees and above, health officials are issuing warnings to local residents to stay out of the sun and keep animals safe from potentially dangerous temperatures.

Terry Stearns, ER and ICU supervisor for Marshall County Hospital said people braving the heat should be cautious if they begin to experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting or stop sweating.

“Those are signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion which can lead to heat stroke,” Stearns said.

Stearns said a person should seek shelter indoors and drink plenty of water if they experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.

“If a person experiences disorientation to the point of losing their balance, tripping or falling, they should seek medical attention for monitoring.”

Stearns also said this has been a rather unusual year, in that cases of heat exhaustion have been few in number as opposed to previous years. He said he hopes patient education is behind the decline.

But heeding the warning is something some people say they simply can’t afford to do.

Workers with Dean’s Roofing, of Paducah, were hard at work last Tuesday replacing a roof on a lake-side house located in Cambridge Shores while temperatures soared into the upper 90’s.

“We start as early as we can, and work as long as we can stand it,” said one worker from the roof-top.

Another echoed similar sentiments as he showed proof of a hard day’s work in his sweat-drenched clothing.

Outdoor jobs such as these create obvious hazards for workers, but at the end of the day, they confessed, safety isn’t their top priority, it’s being able to take home a pay check.

But the warnings don’t just apply to humans, they extend to animals as well, says local veterinarian Bert Johnson. “Some of the most important things to remember are that indoor animals are not used to this kind of heat and do not need to be outdoors playing or exerting energy at all.”

Also, he said, outdoor animals need to have a fresh supply of water that is changed out daily to ensure they remain healthy in these high temperatures.

Johnson said an indoor animal can overheat in outdoor settings in as little as 20 minutes. “They can experience heat exhaustion or possibly heat stroke if not attended to,” Johnson advised.

The warning signs of pet heat exhaustion include heavy, labored panting, weakness and unresponsiveness. “If you notice these symptoms, grab a garden hose and apply water to cool the animal and then get the animal inside to cooler temperatures as soon as possible.”

Johnson said the animal should be able to drink on its own. If the animal is unable to do so, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Local animal shelters are also asking the community to be especially mindful of the heat and not to “dump” unattended animals.

Last week, someone left a baby kitten inside a cardboard box at the Marshall County Humane Society.

The box had holes punched in the sides, was duct taped and had a piece of wood placed on the top to prevent the animal’s escape. The kitten was left out in the elements for 16 hours before being found by Humane Society workers.

Law enforcement are also warning of the legal ramifications in leaving children or pets in vehicles while shopping.

Just last week, Kari N. Leigh, 18, of Paducah, was cited for leaving a small puppy in her vehcile while shopping at Wal-Mart.

According to the Benton Police report, the animal had been left in her car in 95 degree heat for a period of time in which the animal was found to be “panting heavily.”

Leigh was cited for second-degree cruelty to animals and was ordered to appear in court.