The Lenexa Police Department has responded to numerous calls in recent weeks in which dogs were left unattended inside vehicles, usually at shopping centers.

Lenexa City Ordinance states that it is unlawful to leave any animal unattended and confined in a motor vehicle or in the back of a pickup truck in such a manner as to subject the animal to excessive heat or cold, which may endanger the life or well-being of the animal. Violation of this ordinance could result in a citation (Animal Cruelty) which requires an appearance in Lenexa Municipal Court.

In warm weather months, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach dangerous levels in a matter of minutes, even with windows cracked open. While some keyless remote start features can allow the air conditioner to run in an unattended vehicle, most of these are set to automatically turn off after a few minutes, leaving an animal in jeopardy of overheating.

The best advice when running errands is to leave your pet at home rather than leaving them in the car.

If you see a pet left unattended inside a vehicle, call Lenexa PD dispatch at 913-477-7301 or 911, and provide the location and description of the vehicle involved.

For non-urgent issues involving animals, Lenexa Animal Control can be reached at 913-477-7385.