In Brunswick County, NC there is NO REQUIREMENT of SHADE for outside dogs in our ordinances. This means that dogs who DO NOT have any access to shade during extreme temperatures, cannot be helped by local authorities. In our region we have frequent heat advisories that can easily cause heat stroke incidents for outdoor dogs. DID YOU KNOW dog houses/igloos/barrels can get UP TO 120 degrees in DIRECT SUNLIGHT? DID YOU KNOW the same applies for a dog bowl of water in direct sunlight?

Recently, AUG 2024 a dog in BRUNSWICK COUNTY was brought to a local veterinarian suffering a HEAT STROKE after being left outside during a heat advisory. The dog suffered a seizure and organ failure and died as a result of BEING LEFT IN THE HEAT.

Local Animal Rescue organizations have been attending commissioner meetings to PRESENT this concern and ask for support to change our ordinances to put a SHADE LAW in place, but THEY HAVE DENIED our request repeatedly. This ordinance change would hold pet owners accountable and require proper shade for outdoor pets and give authorities the ability to help dogs in neglectful heat/direct sunlight conditions. 

Sadly dogs are suffering every day in many counties across the country in extreme heat without access to cool drinkable water or shade, but we want to DO BETTER in Brunswick County! 

Time is of essence because of the extreme hot temperatures during summer months. We are now relying on YOU! our local CITIZENS OF BRUNSWICK COUNTY to help support this petition as a plead to the commissioners to reconsider their decision and HELP US get a SHADE LAW in place!