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Guidelines for Humane Action

So you suddenly find yourself faced with a "situation." You search inside yourself and struggle to make a decision.

Do you wonder if the pet is truly in danger? Would you rather not get involved? Are you in a hurry? If these thoughts are delaying your decision to call, you are not alone. These are typical concerns.

Read these guidelines from Gene Fields and be better prepared.

1. When in doubt, call. Just do it. Let a professional decide if the pet is truly in danger. A phone call takes just 3 minutes, and then you can move on with a clear conscience. Keep a completed wallet card with you at all times, so the phone number is handy.
2. These situations are emergencies, and you absolutely must call immediately:


—The pet is unable to stand.
—The pet is bleeding profusely.
—Someone is beating a pet.
—The pet is in shock. Gum tissue is white.
—The pet is in direct sun or in a parked vehicle, panting heavily. Heat stroke kills.
3. Be prepared to describe the pet's condition, the address, and the location on the property when you call. You do not have to give your name. You do not have to testify.
4. If you can offer help to the pet, ask the official whom you are talking to how to help safely.

About Gene Fields

Gene Fields is a former Kanawha/Charleston Humane Association Humane Officer in Charleston, West Virginia with an outstanding career record of 229 wins and 7 losses in court. He was in charge of Sunbear's case, and tracked Sunbear's owner across several states to bring him to justice. He never gave up trying to locate Sunbear's owner. And his persistence paid off. Because of Gene, Sunbear had his day in court.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke kills dogs and cats very quickly because they can't sweat to relieve internal body heat like humans can. Panting is the only way that pets expel heat, and panting is not very effective in many hot situations.

About dogs in cars: when the outdoor temperature is just 72 F, the interior of a vehicle will reach 108 F in just one-half hour and 117 F in an hour. Opening a window 1.5 inches HAS ABSOLUTELY NO EFFECT on reducing the interior temperature, according to research published by Sanford University. DON'T BRING YOUR PET WITH YOU IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE UNATTENDED.

An outdoor pet needs a filled water bucket or bowl at all times. There are no exceptions to this guideline.

In West Virginia and other states, it is illegal for a pet to be confined or tied out without shade.

Gene Fields, career Humane Officer in West Virginia.