Authorities Thursday advised hikers against taking their dogs along on hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains this weekend because there have been at least three canine deaths and several rescues due to heat-related illnesses this year.
The most recent dog death occurred Saturday on a trail in Topanga, according to a statement from the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Two other dogs were rescued “on a recent weekend” from Sandstone Peak after hiking in temperatures in excess of 90 degrees.
Dogs can succumb to heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes, and authorities advised hikers to wait until temperatures cool off before considering taking their dogs with them on trails.
The National Park Service and local search and rescue teams in Los Angeles and Ventura counties have reported about a half-dozen canine rescues in 2021 thus far, according to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
