Northumberland OPP are reminding residents and visitors to not leave pets unattended in a parked vehicle as the hot and humid weather arrives.
Each year, police receive numerous calls about pets left inside vehicles during the summer months.
Officers are asking people to be mindful that parked vehicles can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the vehicle parked in the shade and the windows slightly open. Dogs have a limited ability to sweat, even for a short time in a hot environment. This can result in serious medical distress or even death of your pet. It only takes a few minutes for a dog to feel the life threatening effects of a hot car.
If you witness a dog left in a vehicle that appears to be in distress call the police at 1-888-310-1122 or the local by-law department in your area. Continue to monitor the situation and wait for officers to arrive.
The OPP would like to remind pet owners that not only could it be fatal for your pet, but it can also result in a charge being laid under the Ontario SPCA Act or the Criminal Code of Canada. Please leave your animals at home during the warm sunny months of the year.
