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ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) -- The message not to leave pets in cars may be getting out -- as indicated by the complaints of people unlawfully taking the animals into businesses, including grocery stores and restaurants.
"I know it's really dangerous to leave pets in the car right now, especially with the heat. So leave them at home if you're going to a place where they're not allowed, like into a store or a restaurant where there's food," said Ruthann Adams, director of health promotion at the Southwest Utah Public Health Department.
Adams recently encountered a shopper whose small dog was riding in the grocery cart at a local store.
"I was just totally astounded and when I asked her about it, she was really rude and walked away," Adams said.
She said pets can spread germs and are a problem for people allergic to animal dander and hair.
Faith Maloney of Best Friends Animal Society said the code is one pet owners should abide by.
She appreciates restaurants that have outdoor, open-air patios and policies that enable people to eat alongside their pets, but, "Pet owners need to be aware of other citizens as well. People have allergies and other health considerations."
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Information from: The Spectrum, http://www.thespectrum.com
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
