12 dogs on way to adoption die after ‘devastating mechanical failure,’ GA shelter says
A Georgia animal shelter is mourning a “tragic loss” after 12 dogs died on the way to an adoption event out of state.
It happened over the weekend when the A/C unit stopped working on a trailer the shelter was using to transport dogs in search of a new home, LifeLine Animal Project wrote July 31 on Facebook.
The shelter, based in Atlanta, said employees stopped frequently to check on the animals, though it’s not clear how long or how far they were traveling. Less than an hour after the last check-in, the team said it discovered the “devastating mechanical failure.”
“The temperature gauge for the trailer that was displayed in the cab remained around 72 to 65 degrees and did not indicate any issues,” the shelter said.
Eleven dogs died at the scene and a 12th died after it was rushed to an emergency veterinarian, according to the Facebook post.
Using emergency supplies, the employees worked quickly to save 22 others.
The shelter credited Southern Pines Animal Shelter in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, for offering its help during the “unfathomable” incident.
“This tragic loss has shaken all of us to our core,” the Facebook post states. “In this dark hour, we wanted to let our community know about this tragedy and we ask that you please support the teams with your thoughts and kindness.”
What to know about hot car deaths
Hot car deaths are most common in the summer heat, but they can happen at any time, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Leaving a window open is not enough — temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
If you see a child or pet alone in a hot vehicle, officials said you should immediately call 911.
This story was originally published August 1, 2023 at 3:10 PM with the headline "12 dogs on way to adoption die after ‘devastating mechanical failure,’ GA shelter says."