DOWNEY - The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Control has received 13 calls reporting pets locked in hot cars since Aug. 1, officials said this week.Animal control officers also responded twice to dogs tied up in yards with no access to water or shade. "Please, if you cannot keep your pet with you while you're out and about in this heat wave, just leave them at home with a cool place to relax and with access to cool, fresh water," said Marcia Mayeda, director of the county animal control department. Anyone who leaves their pet in an unattended vehicle can be punished by a fine and up to six months in jail, authorities said. Depriving an animal of drink or shelter can result in a $20,000 fine and/or imprisonment. Anyone who sees an animal inside an unattended vehicle, tied up or not being provided water or shade is asked to call animal control. If the animal is in distress, call 911.

********** Published: August 16, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 18