(NORFOLK 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 Friday, June 19, 2015 at approximately 2:13 p.m., police were contacted by a concerned member of the public after they observed a dog inside a motor vehicle at a Queensway East, Simcoe, Norfolk County, Ontario address.
Police attended the Canadian Tire parking lot however the vehicle had left prior to arrival. The OPP is urging all pet owners to never leave any pets in their vehicles unattended. This could have deadly consequences for your pet.
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
There is also a Norfolk County Care and Control of Animals By-Law 2014-46 that all residents need to be aware of. Anyone that leaves an animal unattended in a motor vehicle can face a fine of $490 dollars.
If you see an animal in a vehicle on a warm or humid day who you believe may be in distress, gather as much information as you can. Obtain the make, model and licence plate of the vehicle, and immediately enter the store and have the owner paged and contact police.