DENVER (RPRN) 7/21/2009— In the wake of cruelty charges that were filed against a man whose dog died after he left the animal in a hot car for hours during American Idol auditions in Denver, PETA has rushed its public service announcement (PSA) featuring Idol judge Simon Cowell–which warns of the dangers of leaving dogs inside cars–to television stations across the country. The spot will also be aired on Denver’s Fox affiliate, KDVR, which airs the popular show. The animal rights group hopes that by airing the PSA, further deaths might be prevented as temperatures continue to soar nationwide.

“Far be it from me to be critical, but I find it really appalling that this year, thousands of dogs will die from heatstroke inside parked cars,” Cowell says in the spot, in which he appears with his canine pal, Claude. “Never, ever leave your dog inside a parked car. Your dog idolizes you. In warm weather, keep him safe at home.”

PETA wants people to know that leaving the windows slightly open or using a tree for shade does not prevent the temperature inside a parked car from soaring. Even on a relatively mild 78 F day, the temperature inside a car parked in the shade can climb rapidly to a dangerous 90 F, and the inside of a car parked in the sun can reach a deadly 160 F. PETA receives many reports every summer about dogs who suffered horrifying deaths after they were left in parked cars.

“Simon would be shocked to know that this incident happened during auditions for his own show,” says PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “Even on days that are merely warm, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Always plan to leave your animal companions at home in safe temperatures.”

For more information, please visit PETA.org. To view the PSA, click here.