By Roger White

Leaving pets in hot cars is a criminal offence: RCMP

May 10, 2017 | 5:00 PM

As the temperature skyrockets this spring and summer, local RCMP and the Battlefords Humane Society remind residents that you should never leave your pet in a hot vehicle without cool air circulating, even if it’s just for five minutes.

“A hot car is no place for a dog or any pet for that matter,” Michelle Spark, shelter coordinator of the Battlefords Humane Society, said. “For me personally being in a hot car with the windows rolled up and no air conditioning, I’m lucky to stand it [for] five minutes. Imagine being a pet.”

Dogs (and cats) cool themselves by panting and releasing heat through their paws. On hot summer days the air and upholstery in your vehicle heat up to make it nearly impossible for pets to cool themselves properly.

“Personally I would leave my pet either at home or I’d lock my car and crank up the air so it’s cool inside,” Spark added. “Every year we hear of a pet dying needlessly because someone didn’t take time to think.”

The SPCA said research shows that a dog can withstand a body temperature of 41 Celsius for only a short time before suffering irreparable brain damage or even death. Even in the shade with the window down a crack, temperatures in a vehicle can reach a level high enough to kill your pet very quickly.

Fond Memories

North Stars' 20-year-olds reflect on junior hockey experience: Part 2

17h ago

Fond Memories

North Stars' 20-year-olds reflect on junior hockey experience: Part 1

Apr 18, 2024

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

Apr 17, 2024

North Battleford RCMP Cpl. James Fenrich told battlefordsNOW that for the most part any fines would fall under Saskatchewan’s Animal Protection Act.  He also added the offender could also faces charges under the Criminal Code which could warrant jail time and a fine of up to $5,000.

In regard to whether or not the RCMP would forcibly open a window to get air to an animal in distress, Fenrich admits it is not an easy question to answer.

“Every situation would be dealt with on an individual basis,” Fenrich said. “Many things come into play when dealing with a scenario like this.”

The first course of action the RCMP would attempt is to contact the owner of the vehicle and to have the doors unlocked immediately. If that’s not possible and if time permits, Fenrich said officers may call a tow truck to force the doors open. This would also depend on the condition of the pet inside the vehicle as well.

Recent posts have been circulating on social media stating that the RCMP have given Good Samaritans the right to break open windows to get air to an overheated animal but Fenrich stresses that information is false.

“We do not encourage anyone to take the law into their own hands and attempt to break any windows when it comes to animals in distress,” Fenrich said. “I know this can be a sensitive subject for dog owners and pet lovers alike.”

If you see an animal in this situation you are to contact the RCMP, the Community Safety Officers or the Battlefords Humane Society.

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW