The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory for Calvert County, due to forecasted high temperatures. Animal owners or custodians are required to provide the following protections until the official NWS heat advisory expires.

In addition to providing appropriate protection from the weather, animals must be provided with shelter, water, space and access to shade. The following requirements are also in effect for the duration of the heat advisory:

·         Dogs with short snouts (brachiocephalic), such as boxers, Shih-Tzus and pugs, and long hair winter breeds, such as huskies, malamutes, and St. Bernards, should have outside time limited to less than 30 minutes at a time to prevent overheating.

·         Animals kept outdoors should be monitored at all times and brought into a temperature-controlled environment if they begin to show signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, dizziness, disorientation or heavy panting.

Any person in violation of the requirements set forth in this alert may be subject to enforcement, which could include fines up to $1,000 or 30 days in jail.

To report concerns, citizens may contact the Animal Control Division at 410-535-1600 ext. 2526, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If the office is closed, reports may be made to the non-emergency line at 410-535-3491.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared in the event of an emergency by visiting www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/BeAwarePrepare and signing up for Calvert County ALERT to receive timely information about various emergency and non-emergency situations in the county.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.