Board: No dogs allowed on Phoenix trails in blazing heat

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Board: No dogs allowed on Phoenix trails in blazing heat

Beatriz Costa-lima, Associated Press

Updated 6:50 pm, Saturday, July 2, 2016

PHOENIX (AP) — When the temperature spikes, Phoenix trails will stay open for man but not for man's best friend.

City leaders on Thursday rejected a proposal to prohibit people from hiking in extreme heat, but they approved a rule banning dogs from the city's 41 trailheads when the mercury climbs to 100 degrees. The ban — a first for Phoenix, at least in modern times — took effect Friday.

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department was looking for ways to improve trail safety following several rescues and at least one death within city limits. But after strong objections to the proposed hiking ban, its board passed just the dog portion of the proposal as a compromise, department spokesman James Ritter said.

. . .

"The dogs can't speak for themselves, and they're wearing fur coats," Douglas said.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Board-No-dogs-allowed-on-Phoenix-trails-in-8338352.php

[passiveporcupine]

1. good for them

I can't believe how many people are clueless when it comes to hot weather and pets.

[abbeyco]

2. Great plan!

Smartest thing I've heard in a while!

[melman]

3. That's great

[scscholar]

4. Republicans hate dogs

It's as simple as that.

[shenmue]

5. Smart

[TeamPooka]

6. good policy

[targetpractice]

7. "The dogs can't speak for themselves, and they're wearing fur coats," Douglas said.

That's literally the most humane quote I've read in the news in a very long time.

[Liberal_in_LA]

14. ...

[sinkingfeeling]

8. Good idea.

[TexasBushwhacker]

9. I personally saw a dog dying from heat stroke

I was at an emergency vet clinic with my cat. A young woman ran in and said "I think my dog has heat stroke!".

They ran out with a stretcher and came back in with a beautiful German Shepherd in obvious distress. His tongue was hanging all the way out. I held the door for them as they rushed him into the back. A few minutes passed and then I heard a blood curdling scream from the young woman.

They had put IVs in all 4 legs to rehydrate him but it was too late. Poor Rambo died.

I will never forget.

[smirkymonkey]

15. Oh god, how awful!

That poor woman and her dog. I am sorry you had to be a witness to it.

[IronLionZion]

10. Be mindful of hot pavement and concrete too, and sand

The dog's paws can burn pretty bad.

https://www.thedodo.com/how-to-tell-if-the-pavement-is-too-hot-for-your-dogs-feet-1242363093.html

pics at link

[Laser102]

11. I worked for a vet when I was younger and he was adamant about not exposing dogs to the heat.

The pads of the feet absorb the heat and make it difficult for dogs to cool down. Same thing goes for those who think nothing of leaving dogs in hot cars while they shop or eat.

[freebrew]

12. Amazing...

that it takes a law to protect our friends.

Is common sense and compassion just a dream I had?

Good for Phoenix!?

[Odin2005]

13. This should be common sense, dogs are domesticated gray wolves, a temperate species...

...that does not have evolutionary adaptations to hot dry tropical climates like, say, cats and us humans do.