Dedham Police Partner With Businesses To Protect Dogs During Heatwave

DEDHAM, MA – With the temperatures rising and the recent heatwave, Dedham police reported Wednesday seeing several local instances with dogs left in hot cars and is taking a proactive and targeted approach by partnering with several local businesses to protect these animals and their owners.

“Despite our efforts in educating the public over the past few months, we are still finding and responding to dogs left inside hot cars,” said Animal Control Officer Deni Goldman.

In response, the Town of Dedham and Dedham police t have dedicated multiple website updates, social media posts, and local news stories to the dangers of leaving dogs in cars and about how the Town of Dedham takes this very seriously.

Goldman has spent the last few weeks visiting local businesses, one by one, to provide them with a sign to post in their window, parking lot, or other public-facing areas reminding pet owners that leaving your dog in a hot can result in a citation and the removal of the dog . The signs also encourage those who may witness a dog in a car to contact 911 immediately if the dog is showing signs of distress.

“We have had a tremendously positive response to our efforts with these signs and messaging from local businesses, and we hope the increased presence of these warnings will save dogs from harm and will help educate owners about how to protect our loved animals,” added Goldman. “With this initiative, people will notice several ‘No Dogs in Hot Cars’ signs on doors, in windows, on the sides of buildings, and in parking lots across Dedham, and we hope to see more businesses join in this effort.”

Last week, ACO Goldman connected with Stop & Shop in Dedham. A representative for the supermarket chain reached out to her "with great interest in supporting this initiative," according to Goldman, and stressed "the need to do more."

“We are proud to support Dedham Animal Control in their efforts to educate the community and to raise awareness around this important issue,” said Stop & Shop Director of Community Relations Jennifer Brogan. “While we warmly welcome service dogs into our stores, other animals are not permitted in food establishments here in the commonwealth. So, we encourage our shoppers to leave their furry friends at home, where they can be safe and comfortable.”

Like Stop & Shop, these Dedham businesses have shown they are committed to aligning themselves with the town’s mission to protect animals and to raise public awareness about the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars, and the related law enforcement ramifications.

Goldman wanted to thank the following local partners for promoting animal welfare throughout the Dedham community:

• Dunkin’ Donuts
• East Dedham Gas
• Star Market
• Whole Foods
• BJs Wholesale Club
• Petco
• Stop & Shop
• Papa Gino’s
• D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches
• East Dedham Liquors
• Staples
• Advanced Auto Parts
• CVS Pharmacy
• Ron’s Ice Cream
• Armando Cassano Hair Studio
• Dedham Bike

If a Dedham business would like to participate in this initiative, please contact Goldman at 781-751-9106 or email her at this link.

Watch the public service announcement video featuring Goldman about the town’s initiative to educate owners about the dangers of leaving dogs in the car and tips to prevent heat-related illness and deaths.