Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the car parked in the shade and the windows slightly open.
With the hot weather arriving, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) along with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) are reminding people not to leave their pets in cars.
Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the car parked in the shade and the windows slightly open.
Dogs have a limited ability to sweat; even a short time in a hot environment can be life-threatening. A dogs normal body temperature is about 39C, a temperature of 41C can be withstood only for a very short time before irreparable brain damage or even death can occur.
If you cant take your pet with you when you leave your car, leave them at home where they are safe. Owners who choose to leave pets unattended in vehicles, may face charges under the Ontario SPCA Act or the Criminal Code of Canada
If you see an animal unattended in a vehicle, report it by calling 911. The matter will be treated as a priority. Causing damage to a vehicle should not be a person's first step.
You can also report incidents to your local animal control/protection agencies by calling the numbers below:
Lincoln County Humane Society (905) 682-0767
Niagara Falls Humane Society (905) 356-4404
Welland & District Humane Society (905) 735-1552
Fort Erie SPCA (905) 871-2461
Visit http://nohotpets.ca for more details and to take the pledge.
