How hot is too hot for dogs?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know?

1. Dogs can develop heat stroke in as little as 30 minutes and can die within an hour of experiencing heat stroke.
2. Both temperature and humidity can play a large part in the risk of head stroke in dogs. It is very risky to exercise your dog at temperatures above 77 degrees when high rates of humidity are present.
3. The inside of your car can reach 102 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes on an 85-degree day.

Texas Heat

As a state with hot summers and high temperatures, it is particularly important to protect animals in Texas from heatstroke, a dangerous condition that can occur when dogs are exposed to high temperatures for an extended period.

Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises above its normal range. This condition can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include:

• excessive panting
• difficulty breathing
• lethargy
• vomiting
• diarrhea

To prevent heatstroke in dogs, it is important to take precautions during hot weather. One of the most important steps is to never leave a dog in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked. The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly, and a dog can quickly become overheated.

It is also important to ensure that dogs have access to shade and water during hot weather. Dogs should have a cool and shady area to rest and access to fresh water at all times. Additionally, it is recommended to walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is cooler.

Texas Laws

In Texas, there are also specific laws in place to prevent animal cruelty and neglect. The state’s animal cruelty law makes it a felony to engage in animal cruelty, which includes leaving animals in hot cars or other situations that could cause them harm. The law also requires animal shelters and rescue organizations to report suspected cases of animal cruelty to law enforcement.

In addition to the animal cruelty law, Texas also has laws that protect animals from neglect. The state has specific requirements for animal care, including adequate food, water, and shelter. Texas also requires that animals have access to veterinary care when necessary.

Animal Safety Education

Crime Stoppers of Houston has partnered with Houston PetSet to promote animal safety through education. Together, we provide materials to schools, animal shelters, and other organizations to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. The materials cover topics such as proper care for your pet, how to engage with stray animals, and how to report suspected animal cruelty. Our hope is that with better education, comes better care for the animals of Texas!

Reporting Animal Cruelty

In an Emergency: If you see a crime in process and it involves an animal, dial 911.

Across the State of Texas: Texas has a statewide animal cruelty hotline that individuals can call to report suspected cases of animal cruelty. The hotline is available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 1-800-252-5400.

Houston’s Animal Cruelty Taskforce If you see a neglected or abused animal or a dumping ground of animals, call the Harris County Animal Cruelty Task force at 1-832-927-PAWS.

Animal safety and cruelty prevention are important issues that all Texans should take seriously!

Sources:

https://lrl.texas.gov/legis/BillSearch/billdetails.cfm?legSession=77-0&billTypeDetail=HB&billNumberDetail=653

https://www.madisonanimalcare.com/its-getting-hotter-tips-on-walking-your-dog-in-hot-weather#:~:text=So%2C%20how%20do%20you%20know,77F%20is%20considered%20very%20risky.

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat#:~:text=Never%20leave%20your%20pets%20in%20a%20parked%20car&text=On%20an%2085%2Ddegree%20day,irreversible%20organ%20damage%20or%20die

Tik Tok Announces Time Limit for Teen Users

 

On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, the popular social media platform TikTok announced they would be implementing a new feature, which will automatically set a 60-minute daily screen time limit for users under the age of 18. This new feature is a response to growing concerns from parents over the platform’s potential harmful impact on younger users.  According to the new guidelines, when the time limit is up, users will be prompted to enter a passcode to continue using the device. For users 13 and younger, parents will be prompted to input a passcode every 30 minutes for their child to be able to continue to use the platform.

TikTok partnered with Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital to determine the length of time for this new screentime limit.  Although currently there is not a widely accepted “right” amount of screen time for teens, a promising study by *Tweng and Campbell (2018) found that teens who spend more than seven hours a day on screens are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression. This initiative has not rolled out yet, but TikTok plans to begin implementing this soon.

For more information on social media and mental health, visit our Resource Center or Schedule a Presentation.

Sources:

*https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335518301827

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

For the month of February, Crime Stoppers focuses on the issue of Teen Dating Violence (TDV). Also called intimate partner violence, TDV includes physical, psychological, sexual, and electronic abuse, and can happen with a current or former partner.  Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship, but these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. Other common forms of TDV include:

• sending repeated and unwanted messages
• cyberstalking (constantly checking location via social media or another app)
• pressuring a partner to perform sexual acts or send explicit pictures
• frequently criticizing and humiliating their partner
• refusing to take accountability for their bad actions
• forbidding a partner from talking to certain people
• spreading rumors about sexual activity
• going through a partner’s phone without permission

Many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors. 33% of adolescents in America experience some form of dating abuse, but only one-third of students experiencing TDV ever report it¹. Part of that is due to students not recognizing the forms of abuse they see, but another reason is because of the fear and stigma around being victimized by a partner. At Crime Stoppers, not only do we seek to prevent violence in our community, but we are also here to support those that have been, or are currently being, victimized. For victims of TDV, it is important to remember that there are ways to keep yourself safe from your abuser, even at school.

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits gender-based discrimination in any school receiving federal funding, including all public K-12 schools and most universities². Under this law, sexual harassment and other forms of dating violence are illegal. Schools have a legal obligation to respond to any reported cases of TDV and ensure that they are providing a safe environment for all of their students in class, during field trips, and even on school buses. Under Title IX, schools have a responsibility to be proactive in ensuring their campus is free from sex discrimination by having the following:

1. readily available policy against sex discrimination
2. procedure for students to file complaints, and
3. Title IX coordinator on campus to whom reports of discrimination can be made

Upon receiving a report of discrimination, schools must take immediate action. Even if the police are conducting their own investigation, schools are required to investigate separately. Schools must also take the necessary steps to ensure the victim is protected against retaliation from the alleged attacker, their friends, and faculty. Upon completion of their independent investigation, schools must notify the student how the complaint was resolved. Possible resolutions include transferring the attacker to another school, expelling them, or issuing a no-contact order.

Under no circumstances is a school allowed to punish a student that reports discrimination – they shall not force them to change schools, leave a team, or change an extracurricular activity, nor are they allowed to “run out the clock” on a complaint.

As always, prevention is key. Title IX exists as a resource for those that have already been victimized, but preventing all forms of violence, and keeping children and youth safe, is paramount. By modeling respectful relationships – having healthy disagreements, setting boundaries, communicating honestly – and interrupting dating violence when we see it, we can ensure teenagers experience relationships that are happy, fun, and safe.

Sources:

1. org, 2014
2. ACLU, 2011

Crime Stoppers Slams One Out of the Park at Annual Gala

Crime Stoppers of Houston Slams One Out of the Park at Annual Gala – Over $1,355,000 Raised for Crime Solving and Prevention Programs

A Historic Evening ‘On the Field’ Honors Houston Leaders, Remembers Crime Victims and Calls for Community to Unite to Fight Crime

HOUSTON (November 18, 2022) – Crime Stoppers of Houston’s ‘Leading the Way to a Safer Houston’ Annual Gala, chaired by Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, was held on November 13, 2022 on the field at Minute Maid Park and raised a record-setting over $1,355,000 for crime prevention programs and critically-needed victim services. This memorable event brought together 500 generous supporters, courageous victims of crime, devoted community advocates, elected officials and law enforcement from across Texas for a moving evening that honored Houston leaders, remembered innocent lives lost to senseless violence, and called for communities to come together and unite with Crime Stoppers in making Houston a safer place for all.

“During a time when we all agree crime is the number one issue in Houston, we look forward to working with all community members and all community leaders on solutions. Public safety must be the place where partnerships begin and politics ends. For the sake of all who call Houston home, we are committed to doing our part and are thankful for the growing community behind us.” said Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious and Gala Co-Chair Sheridan Williams

As guests stepped on the field at Minute Maid Park, the Home of World Champions, they were met with many surprises – a thrilling World Series Championship video, a chance to take a photo with the World Series Trophy, a fun #UnitedforPublicSafety photo station and much more. The lively cocktail reception, with décor designed by Richard Flowers at The Events Company reflected the uniqueness of the evening.

Once at their seats, the program kicked off with a compelling welcome message from Houston Media Icon and longtime Crime Stoppers supporter Dave Ward. Immediately following Dave, a group of Crime Stoppers’ children, whose mothers work at the organization, took to the stage to introduce mistress of ceremonies AT&T SportsNet and Astros sideline reporter Julia Morales. The celebration continued with remarks from supporters Jim and Whitney Crane who welcomed the crowd and shared their commitment for Crime Stoppers and the need for all of us to make the safety of Houston a priority.

Committed to public safety, gala co-chair Sheridan Williams, who has made it her personal mission to help victims of violent crime, took to the stage to address the audience. Sheridan delivered a heart-felt and important message about the need for the community to come together and was joined by Houston Police Department Chief Troy Finner to honor three police officers recently involved in a shoot-out. Sheridan then continued with the honoring of Professional Baseball Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, United States Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Jim McIngvale, Mattress Mack. The honorees have a history of supporting Houston and Crime Stoppers but this year, have all risen to do so much more. All three mentioned the need for the community to come together to address crime and Jim McIngvale closed the comments with a call to do “what’s right” and made a historic and emotional gift of $300,000 to the organization.

After dinner, Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious offered a powerful delivery that touched on overcoming adversity and the work of Crime Stoppers, followed by remarks from Crime Stoppers Chairman of the Board Justin Vickrey.

Crime Stoppers Director of Victim Services Andy Kahan joined Rania to facilitate a conversation with surviving family members, Aimee Castillo and Glinda Martin, Lourdes Medina and Bob Nuelle who joined to courageously share their stories:

–        Aimee Castillo and Glinda Martin, Aimee is the sister and Glinda is the mother of Joshua Sandoval who was murdered during a home-invasion robbery.

–        Lourdes Medina, daughter of Martha Medina. Martha was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who was tragically killed during an attempted robbery while getting breakfast for her family

–        Bob Nuelle, father of Elizabeth Barraza, who was murdered in her own driveway while setting up for a garage sale.

The Fireside Chat with the victim families concluded with a video in memory of lives cut short allegedly by defendants released on multiple felony bonds, felony pr bonds, and/or bond forfeiture. Victim families were recognized on stage as their loved ones’ photo was shown.

The evening closed with an exciting “Last Paddle Standing” led by gala co-chair John Eddie Williams, who was joined on stage by Jim and Whitney Crane, Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, and Houston Astros Executive Director Paula Harris. Zadok Jewelers made a generous donation of two gift cards that were bid on by the audience. In close, Jim and Whitney Crane promised to match the generous and historic gift from Jim McIngvale causing this evening to the be most money raised for the organization in its 42-year history.

Sunday’s celebration was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous underwriters, including Legacy Leader sponsors Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, The Astros Foundation – Jim and Whitney Crane, Jim and Carole Walter Looke, Russell and Glenda Gordy; Safety Champions Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, and Hallie Vanderhider; Safety Trailblazers Hildebrand Fund; and Community Front-Runners Clear Channel Outdoor, Faust Family, Tama Lundquist and Dr. Peter Farrell, Jordan Seff, Jennifer Hohman, and Zadok Jewelers.

Additional guests included Paula Harris, Dror and Helen Zadok, Jonathan Zadok, Margaret Alkek Williams, Susan Boggio, Rachel Bagwell, Dancie Ware, Jim Ware, Laura Ward, Akash Patel, Cathy and John Crapitto, Travis Dorroh, Krislyn Vickrey, Logan Leal Dresser, Anna Reger, Jill and Charlie Talisman, Hazem Ahmed, Lawrence and Linda Levy, Matt Mackey, Michelle and Mike Heinz, Shana Jones, Nancy and Don Woo, Oscar Martinez, Scott and Lindsay Aronstein, Tena and Tyson Faust, Amy Leibman, Vivian King, Chris Massey, Trip McIngvale, Genny and John McIntyre, Patricia and Tom Ritter, Tissy and Rusty Hardin, Jay Ziedman, Franco Valobra, Vicki Rizzo, Dr. Richard Stasney, Kathryn Stasney Childers, Jeff Stearns, Sean Stewart, Carvana Cloud, Sonya and Jeff Vaden, Andy Allen, Wendy Baimbridge, Ryan Patrick, Darcel and Fenner Weller, and many others.

Leaders from the city, county and state were all involved in the nonpartisan event. Notable guests include Senator Joan Huffman, Senator John Whitmire, State Representative Ann Johnson, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Houston City Council Members Amy Peck, Mike Knox, Mary Nan Huffman, and Abbie Kamin, Harris County Constable Precinct One Alan Rosen, Metro Police Department Chief Vera Bumpers, Bellaire Police Department Chief Onesimo Lopez, and Katy Police Department Chief Noe Diaz.

If you were not able to attend, you may still support the Crime Stoppers mission online here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/3u1w/n?vid=sh9l6

Visit www.crime-stoppers.org for additional information on Crime Stopper’s programs, resources and events.

Our Podcast Returns With Season 5!