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Tesla launched last week the "dog mode" as part of a software update, designed to keep dogs safe and cool in the car. However, the animal protection group PETA warns that the new feature – although well-meaning – is not the best idea for dog owners.
The idea of dog fashion seems to have emerged after someone told Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, in October.
The technology mogul, who likes to include quirks in his cars, such as the ability to dance to the sounds of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Easter eggs from pet-friendly unicorns, simply answered "yes."
Read more: Elon Musk is engaged in the strangest fight on a fooling unicorn
Last week, the update was launched with the "sentinel mode", which forces the car to emit a clbadical music sound if it feels like someone is trying to introduce it.
A spokeswoman for Tesla said in an email to Business Insider that the dog mode "keeps your dog at a comfortable temperature in your car while letting pbadersby know that the owner will be back soon".
Tesla released last Wednesday a video showing how the dog mode works.
Animal groups have their doubts. When she was contacted by Business Insider, a PETA spokesperson said that although the dog mode is a good idea, she would caution against its use.
"We thank Tesla for thinking about the dogs who lose their lives in cars every summer, but remember that the 'Dog Mode' feature is not foolproof and can provide a false security printing because engines and air conditioning can be removed The notice in the window telling pbaders-by that everything is fine is also a cause for concern because it could deter somebody from intervening in The most secure way to protect dogs when temperatures soar is simply to leave them at home – with plenty of water, "she said.
A spokesperson for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) – the UK's leading charity for animals – had the same concerns.
"The technology may fail and put in this situation does not justify the risk of injury to your pet, we advise you to leave them at home or with a trusted friend or a dog sitter if you know you are going to be away a longer time. "
In the United States, 56 pets died in hot cars in 2018, mostly dogs, according to PETA. The RSPCA was not able to provide the exact number, but said that during a heat wave from June 1 to July 24, 2018, its phone support service was not available. emergency had received 3,832 calls.
Tesla did not comment directly on the position of PETA and the RSPCA.
You can find tips on how to react if you see a dog in a locked car on the PETA website. If you are based in the UK, the RSPCA's advice is to call 999 if you see a dog in distress in a car on a hot day.
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