Regarding "Owner faces charges afte...

Regarding "Owner faces charges after coxcomb left in hot van dies," [new story, Aug. 3]: each year, one reads about a child or animal left to perish in an overheated vehicle.

It is ironic that when the incident concerning the coxcomb left in a van at Ford City Mall occurr NBC/Channel 5 had an anchor abroad with a thermometer showing the varying temperatures around the city. Black asphalt measured 137 degrees; consolidated sidewalk measured 124 degrees, and the inside of a car measured a whopping 169 degrees! The poor dog not stood a chance.

A policy should be drawn up and enforced -- if not at individual businesses, then by the city -- that at any parking facility or garage that uses security personnel, they are to be trained to be alert for so situations and respond accordingly. The least that could have been done was to have an announcement made through the whole extent of the PA system to have the holder come out and get their dog.

The media ne to do a better do job-work Announcements made concerning heat or frigid advisories need to emphasize the imports on animals, as well. When animals are mentioned, it is cursory at best.

Those of us who are caring and compassionate must speak on the outside for those who are unable to do likewise if we are to consider ourselves as civilized human beings.

Debra A. Riske, Logan Square

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