(HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Norfolk County Detachment want to remind all pet owners to never leave your pet unattended in a hot motor vehicle.
On Sunday, August 5, 2018 at approximately 12:40 p.m., police were contacted by a concerned member of the public after they observed a dog inside a motor vehicle for over 30 minutes. The vehicle was parked in the parking lot of the Canadian Tire parking lot when police were called. A Good Samaritan was able to open the door to the vehicle and provide the dog with some water. The SPCA were also notified and responded to the area however the vehicle left prior to arrival of officials.
The licence plate number and make of vehicle was provided to investigators who will be following up with the owner.
On a day where the temperature is 26 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside a vehicle parked in the shade reaches 32 degrees Celsius. If you leave your motor vehicle in the sun the temperature can reach 71 degrees Celsius. This is extremely hot and can have devastating effects on your pet.
Dogs and cats pant to cool themselves, but this is ineffective when they are surrounded by heat. On summer days the air and upholstery in your vehicle can heat up to high temperatures that make it impossible for pets to cool themselves. Your pet will be more comfortable if left at home.
A domesticated pet is dependent on the owner for proper care such as food, shelter and water. The Criminal Code of Canada has specific sections that deal with the mistreatment of animals.
Cause unnecessary suffering - maximum sentence of 5 years in jail
Injure or endanger an animal - maximum sentence of 5 years in jail
Neglect an animal - maximum sentence of 2 year in jail
"The OPP want to stress the importance of leaving your animals at home in comfortable conditions and not in a hot motor vehicle. If it's too hot for you, then it's too hot for your pet." - Inspector Phil Carter, Detachment Commander, Haldimand County OPP.