Tyrann Mathieu sits in a hot car for PETA support

It can dangerous for both honey badgers and dogs alike to sit in hot cars, according to a new ad campaign from PETA.

A new ad campaign from PETA—People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—shows the extreme dangers experienced by canines who are casually left in a car on a hot day, even with the windows partially rolled down. The organization invited Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu to experience the conditions himself as part of an awareness campaign launching for the summer months.

This Friday is National Heat Awareness Day (yes, there’s an apparent day for everything) and in this instance, it’s good for all of us to be aware that a hot car is an oven for pets or even small children waiting for their owners/parents inside of it. It’s easy to think that an owner can just make a quick trip to a convenience store or the corner grocery while leaving the pet to sit in the car, but during the summer months, dozens of family pets die each year due to a heatstroke.

In order to raise awareness of this problem, PETA invited Mathieu, one of the newest additions to the Chiefs defense, to test out his own ability to sit in a hot car. The test wasn’t a long one at all given that Mathieu could only make it several minutes before abandoning the car and getting a bottle of water for support staff. In just eight minutes, his shirt was soaked in sweat and the temperature inside the car was a balmy 120 degrees.

While waiting in the car, Mathieu not only clearly wants out but he also says, “If you’re going to make a dog a part of your family, make him a part of your family. Don’t treat him like you wouldn’t treat someone you cared about or someone you love.”

Check out the full video below.