An animal rights activist group is encouraging Busch Gardens Williamsburg to start posting hot car warning signs in its parking lots after a dog was rescued from a locked car earlier this week.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent a letter to Kevin Lembke, the park’s president, on Friday urging Busch Gardens to post signs warning of the dangers of leaving children and pets inside hot vehicles.
In a news release, PETA said the letter was prompted by an incident on Monday at Busch Gardens in which a 17-year-old was charged with animal cruelty after a passer-by noticed a pit bull in distress inside a locked car.
According to PETA, 33 children, 41 dogs and one kitten have died in hot cars in 2018.
“In light of this nearly fatal accident, we urge Busch Gardens to post signs in parking lots warning guests of the dangers of leaving children and animals inside hot cars,” the letter reads.
The letter asks Busch Gardens to join other groups that have put hot car warning signs on their properties, including Simon Property Group, which owns Williamsburg Premium Outlets; GGP, and Macerich.
“A parked car can be a death trap for children and dogs who can’t escape as temperatures soar and their bodies shut down,” said Tracy Reiman, PETA executive vice president. “PETA is calling on Busch Gardens to do its part to help prevent anyone from enduring a horrific heatstroke death on its premises.”
Busch Gardens declined to comment for this story.
