**** RCMP Media Release
Think twice before leaving your children and pets in your vehicle this summer
With the summer weather finally here, the RCMP and the SPCA are encouraging motorists to think twice before leaving your pets in your vehicle for any amount of time.
In the time it takes to run a quick errand, the interior of vehicles can heat up fast – making it intolerable for pets. “Every year, the RCMP in Nova Scotia responds to complaints of both animals and children being left in vehicles during the summer months,” says Cpl. Chris Marshall. “When the weather is warm, it’s best to leave your four-legged friends home or visit pet friendly businesses to avoid a potentially tragic outcome.”
According to the SPCA, signs that an animal could be in distress include:
- Exaggerated panting
- Rapid or erratic pulse
- Anxious or staring expression
- Weakness and muscle tremors
- Lack of coordination
- Red or blue tongue and lips
- Convulsions or vomiting
- Collapse or coma
Remember, if the animal is alert, standing upright and barking, they are likely not in distress. Here are things to do if you come across an animal in a vehicle that appears to be in distress:
- Look for the owner of the car. Go to nearby stores and have the owner paged.
- If you cannot locate the owner, call your local police and stay at the vehicle until police arrive. Do not contact police unless the animal is obviously distressed.
- If you are unsure if an animal is in distress, call the Nova Scotia SPCA at1-888-703-7722
- Follow up by filing a report with the Nova Scotia SPCA either online or by phone and ensure that you obtain a license plate of the vehicle.
**** HRP Media Release
Pets in parked vehicles
With warm and sunny weather forecasted for the weekend, Halifax Regional Police reminds citizens to not leave their pets in parked vehicles.
On a warm day, even with the windows open, a parked vehicle quickly becomes like a furnace and presents potentially fatal conditions for pets left inside. When the temperatures start to climb, we encourage pet owners to not leave their pets unattended in vehicles, even for a few minutes.
If you can’t bear to leave your furry friend at home, consider some alternatives to leaving them in the vehicle:
- Consider using a drive-thru or curbside pickup. Your pet can sit comfortably with you in your car while you wait for your meal or service.
- It’s important to keep your pet hydrated. Depending on the length of time of your stops, consider packing water and a dish.
- If you know that you have to make stops where pets are not allowed, bring someone from your household bubble along who can keep your pet company. Your pet minder can give your dog water, take them for a short walk or find a shady spot to wait for your return.
Also, as a reminder, a summary offence ticket for leaving an animal unattended in a motor vehicle in conditions that could cause distress carries a fine of $697.50.
If you see a pet in immediate distress, call 902-490-5020 and take directions from the call taker.
