The Ontario SPCA is warning people that "there is no excuse when it comes to failing to care for their animals."
The warning comes after a 20-year-old Chatham woman was convicted for failing to provide veterinary attention for a nine-week-old puppy that jumped from a moving car, broke its leg and had to have it amputated.
Regional Inspector Carol Vanderheide says if you are having difficulty providing care for your animals, contact the Ontario SPCA to discuss your options.
"We have different options for people out there in that situation. If they tried with their own veterinarian or are unable to make a payment plan or anything like that then definitely we can offer some ideas of what they can do," says Vanderheide.
Vanderheide reminds drivers that transporting pets in the bed of a truck is illegal and that pets should not be left inside a hot vehicle, especially with temperatures rising to the 30 C range this weekend.
To report animal cruelty, call 310-SPCA.
Vanderheide would like to remind pet owners to confine their animals to the back seat, either in a carrier or pet seatbelt, when travelling.
"Some people allow their pets to sit on their lap while they're driving and it's very dangerous. If an accident does occur, not only does it pose a risk for the pet possibly being thrown through the windshield or the open window, they're right in the way if the airbag goes off and they could be injured from that as well," Vanderheide says.
Vanderheide advises pet owners to be prepared to properly care for their animals.
"Allowing an animal to suffer is absolutely inexcusable and they can be fined themselves and facing charges if they don't provide the care required for their animal. So, the very best option that they have is to give us a call," says Vanderheide.