Owner put dog's life at risk by taking it on a hike despite heatwave warning. Dog died.

A tragedy occurred this week in Phoenix, Arizona, when a dog died after its owner disregarded a ban on walking pups on hiking trails when the temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Around 11am on Wednesday, the hiker called 911 to report that his two dogs were having symptoms caused by the heat. Phoenix Fire Department crew members found the man and his dogs roughly 300 yards from the Piestewa Peak trailhead. One of the canines was already dead at the scene, while firefighters managed to cool the other dog down and it survived the episode.

The man, identified as Daniel Milunovic, had violated a 2016 ban enacted by the City of Phoenix on walking dogs on hiking trails in temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The penalties for violations include possible jail time and fines of a maximum of $2,500. He was issued a citation in lieu of detention for animal neglect.

This incident is not the only heat-related dog death to occur during this summer’s heat wave in Arizona. On Monday, a one-and-a-half-year-old Doberman died while on a hiking trail on South Mountain, according to the Arizona Humane Society. In another heat-related incident, a pit bull that was left by its owner in her hot car for more than 20 hours while she worked was found dead the next day. The temperature in Hollywood, Florida, that day, June 18, hit a high of 91 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dogs are permitted on many trails in Phoenix when the temperature is under 100 degrees. However, dogs are not allowed on the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail at any time of the year, according to the city’s website. The temperature near the peak was recorded at 99 and 100 degrees when firefighters responded to Milunovic’s call, and the incident remains under investigation.

It is heartbreaking to see these tragedies occur due to careless disregard for the safety of our four-legged friends. We must remember to keep our pets safe in hot temperatures and to always follow the rules set in place.

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