Memphis Animal Services: Death of shelter dog possibly caused by heat

MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Memphis Animal Services says a dog died in the shelter’s care Monday. A preliminary assessment suggests the death was due to heat.

The dog, named Lulu, was found unconscious in the facility’s playground. The exact cause of death has not yet been determined and MAS says the investigation is ongoing.

MAS says they have redesigned their outdoor play areas to include more shade and will continue to ensure their staff know how to care for the welfare of all animals.

“The safety of all animals in our care is of paramount importance to us and we will share further information as it becomes available,” MAS said in a Facebook post.

The high temperature in Memphis reached 97 degrees on Monday with a heat index over 100 degrees.

Shelter officials said they recently changed protocols to improve the dogs’ quality of life by getting them outside for variety.

MAS says it has taken in nearly 10,000 animals in 2023. Some of them may have health problems that the shelter is unaware of.