‘Don’t be cruel. Keep pets cool’: Powell River urges after pets left in cars

Don’t be cruel. Keep pets cool: That is the message the City of Powell River is giving its citizens after numerous calls about pets left in cars.

The city is reminding residents that pets should never be left in vehicles.

“The police respond to numerous calls like this during the summer months,” said Powell River RCMP Staff Sergeant, Rod Wiebe. “With all the information and education out there, it is hard to comprehend why people keep doing this. If police attend and find the animal is in distress, forced entry will be made into the vehicle. For the sake of your pet please leave them at home on hot days, not in your car.”

Owners who expose pets to excessive heat can be charged under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, with maximum penalties of $75,000 fines and two-years imprisonment.

It only takes minutes before the interior of a car becomes an oven. When summer temperatures reach 26°C outside, it’s 43°C inside your car. Leaving vehicles unattended for just a few minutes will cause pets distress and even heat stroke, according to the SPCA.

SPCA and RCMP also advice people not to break a window to rescue an animal, and call 911.

“If you see a dog left alone in a hot car, take down the car’s color, model, make, and license plate number and call the police,” said Wiebe “Avoid taking matters into their own hands. People risk escalating the situation and charges could result if the level of intervention is deemed inappropriate.”