The Animal Rescue League of Berks County has extended a Code Red alert for the City of Reading due to extreme heat, with a sustained heat index exceeding 95 degrees. The alert applies to the following periods: Monday, July 28 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 29 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Wednesday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Under City of Reading Bill #22, an amendment to Chapter 141 of the City Code governing animal care, dog owners are required to bring their pets indoors during a Code Red, except for supervised and necessary bathroom or exercise breaks. Failure to comply could result in the dog being removed by an Animal Control Officer and taken to the Animal Rescue League. Owners will then have 48 hours after the Code Red period ends to reclaim their pet and pay applicable boarding fees.
Those who witness a dog left outside without supervision during a Code Red in the City of Reading are urged to contact the Animal Rescue League at 610-373-8830 ext. 400 or the Reading Police non-emergency line at 610-655-6116.
While the ordinance is enforceable only within the city, the ARL is encouraging all Berks County pet owners to take extra precautions. High heat can pose serious health risks, especially for flat-faced breeds, elderly or overweight animals, and those with heart or lung conditions.
“Some signs to look for are excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, mild weakness, and hazy stuporous mental state,” said Dr. Sarah Rivera, Chief Medical Officer at the Animal Rescue League. “As the signs worsen and your pet continues to overheat, it can lead to more serious signs such as vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and seizures. If you notice any of these signs, you must go to your vet or an emergency vet immediately.”
To help keep pets safe, the ARL recommends ensuring access to fresh water and shade, leaving pets at home during errands, and never leaving animals in parked vehicles where temperatures can rise dangerously fast. They also advise walking pets during cooler parts of the day and avoiding hot pavement, which can reach up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Pet owners should bring water for both themselves and their animals when exercising outdoors and take frequent breaks to avoid overheating.
