West Shore RCMP are reminding people to not leave their pets inside hot vehicles after they responded to three incidents of dogs being alone in hot vehicles on Saturday.
According to Cpl. Chris Dovell of the West Shore RCMP, police were responding to 53 calls on Saturday when they received three separate calls of dogs in distress in hot vehicles within just a couple of hours.
Annie Prittie-Bell the Victoria SCPA Branch Manager says its actually a matter of life and death.
“We know its about ten minutes until disaster in a car they can cause death of animals very quickly they cause extreme distress, organ failure. They are very, very dangerous they heat up so quickly and animals don’t sweat the same way we do so they don’t cool themselves down the same way we do,” said Prittie-Bell.
“As the temperature rises and more people are out enjoying the hot weather, the number of animals in distress calls increase for the police,” Dovell said in a release.
“We are asking pet owners to please ensure they do not leave pets inside hot vehicles. If you see an animal in potential distress, attempt to provide them with water and shade and try to locate the owner.”
If the situation is more urgent, Dovell said people can call the BC SPCA call centre at 1-855-622-7722, animal control or their local police department. Dovell said if it’s an emergency situation, the person can call 911 and the operator will provide directions about what to do.
People who leave animals in hot cars can face charges and fines under the Capital Regional District and municipal bylaws. For example, in the City of Langford, the fine for a maltreated animal is $100.
In cases of serious neglect or the death of an animal, criminal charges could be laid.
Dovell said no one was charged in any of the incidents over the weekend.
West Shore RCMP said people should attempt to provide an animal with water or shade and try to find the owner if they see a pet in potential distress. (Jeff Stapleton/CBC).
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