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Rocky, a child from 3 to 4 years old Pit-Bull Terrier mixturedied last weekend at the Overflow animal refuge from Miami-Dade County to Medley after having quickly deteriorated from the device Heat -related distressAccording to local reports and publications on the agency’s social networks.
The dog appeared healthy during his morning walk before becoming lethargic and vomiting in his kennel, according to Nbc 6 South Florida. Despite emergency treatment at the establishment clinic and the main doral refuge, the veterinarians could not stabilize Rocky, which resulted in his death.
Nowsweek contacted the Miami-Dade County animal services by e-mail outside normal opening hours to comment on Saturday.
Why it matters
The death of Rocky has intensified the control of the conditions of animal shelters in the county of Miami-Dade, in particular with regard to temperature control during extreme heat periods in Florida. The incident has aroused generalized community concerns and an uproar on social media on potentially dangerous conditions in municipal animal facilities.
With more than 500 animals currently under county care and summer temperatures reaching dangerous levels, the case highlights wider challenges faced by animal protection systems nationally while they are fighting with capacity limitations and infrastructure adequacy.
What to know
The medley overflow installation is home to 117 of the 526 county care animals, operating as an outdoor building designed to adapt to the system of overcrowding of the system. According to refuge officials, Rocky appeared healthy during his morning march, but quickly declined at noon when the staff noticed his lethargy and discovered him vomiting in his kennel.
Annette José, director of Miami-Dade County Animal Services, told the local 7news station: “Rocky was released for a walk, like its usual staff. But later became a lethargic. Alerted to the staff to keep him an eye. He was found in her kennel after her temperature.”
Emergency protocols were immediately activated, the staff and volunteers rushing Rocky to the clinic on site of the establishment where they tried to reduce its body temperature by the treatment of Liquid IV. When these interventions failed to stabilize the dog, it was transferred to the main refuge for advanced veterinary care, but the medical staff could not ultimately save it.
Recent visits to the installation of 7News have revealed a dozen industrial fans dispersed in the location of the mixture, the previously photographed chenil thermometers showing temperatures reaching 91 degrees. The former volunteers criticized the placement of fans in the media, noting that certain units blow horizontally in concrete walls rather than providing direct relief from animals.
Additional cooling measures include continuous access to cold water, shaded play areas for exercise and small swimming pools for animal use.
Getty images
What people say
Miami-Dade Animal Services (@adoptmiamipets) wrote in an Instagram statement last Saturday: “We are aware of the concerns and discussions in circulation concerning the recent tragic loss of Rocky (# A2684435), and as always, we are committed to transparency and clarity. Our priority is to hold our informed community, and it is important for us that you hear all the details of what has been sweated to ensure that we manage this with the same care and the same respect that we provide all animals care.”
“Today, our hearts are heavy while we are sharing the loss of Rocky, a dog who had been with us in our Medley refuge since May. This morning, Rocky was brilliant and alert – even by jumping in a fun way in his kennel. It was housed inside the refuge where the big fans run 24/7 to circulate the air for the comfort of our pets. Play swimming pools. “
The agency continued: “Around noon, a volunteer diligent observed Rocky lying in his kennel with a present vomit and quickly informed the staff. He was quickly evaluated and, although ado and capable of walking, he collapsed near the play of play.
“During the examination, our veterinarians determined that Rocky was seriously ill and made the compassionate decision of the human euthanize to prevent new suffering. Although we are still not sure of the exact cause of this sudden condition, we sent samples to the laboratory to analyze in the hope of discovering more information.”
The animal service concluded the declaration: “We want to assure our community that Rocky was never alone during this difficult period. From the moment a volunteer noticed that something was wrong, at his last moments in the guard of our veterinary team, he was surrounded by people who cared deeply and acted quickly to help him. In the end, he was met with kindness, love and dignity. touched hearts.
“We remain attached to the safety and well-being of each animal entrusted to us. Loss of Rocky is a painful reminder of the vulneration of these animals, and why we need the continuous support of our community to help us find them loving the houses.”
An Instagram user concerned named @erinsharoni asked the agency: “Can you approach the allegations according to which there are only 3 work fans in the installation of Medley while only a year ago, the community collected $ 15,000 to buy seven fans of @bigassfans who are now nowhere?”
What happens next
Miami-Dade Animal Services continues to investigate Rocky’s death pending laboratory results to determine the exact cause.
