Area OPP detachments are minding pet owners to never leave animals in hot vehicles. The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP has already started to receive calls from concerned citizens after pets were left unattended in vehicles. Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the car parked in the shade and the windows open. Pets can experience heatstroke, brain damage and even death if left unattended in a vehicle.
Under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, it is against the law to leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of the animal.
To report animal welfare concerns, including an animal left unattended in a vehicle, call Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) at 1-833-9-Animal (264625), or your local police service. If you see an animal in immediate danger, call 911.
(Written by: Kyle Robinson)