Vernon RCMP report several cases of pets left in cars during heat wave – Vernon News

Pets left in hot cars

Photo: BC SPCA

It should go without saying, but some people still leave their pets in hot vehicles.

With the temperature outside around 30 degrees, being trapped in a vehicle, even with the windows slightly open, can be a death sentence.

“Our officers have responded to a number of reports of pets in hot vehicles so far this summer,” says Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terlesky.

The BC SPCA says if you see an animal in distress in a parked vehicle, here are the steps to take:

• Note the vehicle’s license plate number, color, make and model, and ask the managers of nearby businesses to alert the owner to return to their vehicle immediately.
• If the animal is not showing signs of distress but you are concerned, you may wish to stay by the vehicle to monitor the situation until the owner returns.
• If the animal is showing clear signs of heat stroke or other symptoms of distress, call your local animal control agency, police, RCMP or the BC SPCA Call Center at 1-855-622-7722 as soon as possible.
• The BC SPCA has a limited number of police officers – if one is not available in the area, the call center can advise you of other emergency numbers to call so that help can arrive as quickly as possible.

“Do not break a vehicle window to gain access. Not only is it illegal, but it can result in injury to you or the animal. If you think it’s an emergency, please call the bylaws or the police,” says Terleski.

“Our frontline staff are incredibly busy at this time of year responding to serious incidents and emergencies, and pet owners need to do their part to ensure we don’t divert resources to a situation that is entirely preventable.” “

It can only take a few minutes for the temperature in the car to become unbearable – and the smartest thing to do is to leave your pet at home.

“Even leaving your vehicle running with the air conditioning on is risky, not to mention harmful to the environment,” adds Terleski. “If the car shuts off for any reason, the interior can quickly reach extreme temperatures, endangering your pet’s health.”

The BC SPCA offers more information here.

In 2019, Vernon businessman David Scarleccu sat in a car on a hot summer day and recorded what happened. To view this video, click here.