Over the last couple of days, and during previous heat waves, I have seen countless dog walkers out with their pets during the peak of the day, when temperatures are dangerously high for our furry friends. Working within the pet industry for the past four years, I've witnessed a disheartening rise in mortality rates among dogs during the summer months. This heartbreaking pattern repeats itself annually, and it must stop.

The suffering of our pets is largely preventable, yet many dog owners remain unaware—or worse, indifferent—to the risks of heat stroke. Dogs, unlike humans, don't sweat to cool down. They pant, and when the mercury soars, panting simply isn't enough to prevent them from overheating. Puppies, elderly dogs, and certain breeds with short muzzles are especially vulnerable. Heat stroke can lead to irreversible damage or even death, often within minutes.

Veterinary professionals are often the first to witness the tragic consequences of negligent pet care during heat waves. However, the lack of a formal reporting mechanism means that irresponsible behavior often goes unrecognized and unpunished, allowing it to perpetuate. By mandating that veterinary practices report all cases of heat stroke to relevant authorities, we can ensure that owners are educated, held accountable, and when necessary, charged with animal cruelty.

Countries with comprehensive animal welfare systems already have mechanisms in place to report and act on animal abuse; it's time for a similar approach in our region. Implementing this measure will not only help in prosecuting cases of negligence but also in developing educational campaigns to inform dog owners of the dangers.

Let us protect our beloved pets by instituting mandatory reporting of heat stroke cases. This will save lives, hold negligent owners accountable, and foster a community that truly values the welfare of its animals. Act now to prevent unnecessary suffering—please sign this petition and be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.