Police are reminding pet owners that leaving animals unattended in a hot vehicle could mean a fine and even jail time.
The Ontario Provincial Police said between August 3 and August 6, officers in Norfolk County responded to several calls from concerned citizens about dogs being left in vehicles during the hot weather. In one incident, a concerned member of the public blocked in one of the vehicles and became involved in an argument with the dog owner after calling police.
"On a day where the temperature is 26 C, the temperature inside a vehicle parked in the shade reaches 32 C. If you leave your motor vehicle in the sun the temperature can reach 71 C. This is extremely hot and can have devastating effects on your pet," the OPP said in a press release. "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."
While none of the dogs were in distress during these incidents, the OPP said anyone leaving a pet unattended in a hot car could face charges under the Criminal Code of Canada for the mistreatment of animals. Being convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal or endangering an animal can carry a maximum sentence of five years in jail. Anyone found guilty of neglecting an animal could also face a maximum sentence of two years in jail.
As well, anyone caught leaving a pet in a hot vehicle can be fined $490 under the Norfolk County Care and Control of Animals Bylaw.