The state drivers' manual could soon include information about how dogs left in hot cars can die, after a national animal rights group asked the Motor Vehicle Division to add warnings about the heat's deadly consequences.

California recently added information about dogs left in cars to its 2011 drivers' handbook, and members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals want New Mexico to do the same.

"Death from heatstroke is slow, agonizing, and terrifying," Daphna Nachminovitch, vice president of PETA said in a statement.

"By adding just a few words of warning to the driver's manual, New Mexico could educate motorists and help prevent animals from suffering and dying inside hot cars."

MVD director Michael Sandoval said he'd be more than happy to add the wording, if the group helps. To save state money, the manuals are no longer printed and can be updated online fairly quickly, he said.

The animal group says that on a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach more than 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.

The group says it receives "an alarming number of reports of dogs who have suffered heatstroke and died in these kinds of circumstances" every year. Although animal deaths in cars aren't typically recorded, the group knows of dog deaths in six states this year.

With record heat across the country this summer, the rate of fatalities has increased, according to the group. A spokeswoman said the group targeted New Mexico because of its typically hot weather; it also sent a letter to Nevada officials.

Hot cars aren't just deadly for pets. A 2-year old died earlier this summer in Albuquerque after being left in a car for several hours.

Contact Kate Nash at 986-3036 or knash@sfnewmexican.com. Read her blog at www.greenchilechatter.com.