Pets, besides service animals, are not allowed at Hempfest. There is no safe place to leave or secure pets at the event, and the Seattle Animal Shelter warns pet owners against leaving animals in vehicles.
Cars in direct sunlight can reach fatal temperatures within just a few minutes, and on hot days, even dogs left in the shade with the windows cracked are at risk of brain damage or death.
The shelter also reminds pet owners that a Washington law that went into effect in 2015 makes it a violation just to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle or enclosed space, if the animal could be harmed or killed by exposure to excessive heat or cold, lack of ventilation or lack of water.
Penalties under the new law are in addition to potential animal cruelty charges. The Seattle Animal Shelter’s humane animal law enforcement officers responding to calls about animals left in hot cars will utilize all means necessary to access vehicles to remove the animals.
If you see an animal that may be in need of assistance, or if you have questions, contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at 206-386-7387 (PETS).
Information is also available online.