COMMUNITY CORNER HALIFAX POLICE -
While most of us long for the dog days of summer, remember that heat and parked vehicles can be a lethal combination for pets.
On a recent sunny day, Halifax Regional Police was called to two separate incidents where bystanders became concerned about pets in cars with the windows shut or partially closed.
Fortunately, in both incidents the animals were not left unattended for long and appeared not to suffer any ill effects.
But keeping a pet inside a vehicle on a hot day can quickly become deadly for animals. You may only be running inside a store for a minute, but temperatures inside a closed vehicle can quickly climb to fatal levels for Fido.
Consider this: A dog's normal body temperature runs about 39 C. Brain damage can occur if the body temperature reaches 41 C. The inside of a vehicle on a 30 C day can quickly reach 45 C. At that temperature, a pet can easily slip into distress.
Even with the window open, the temperature inside a vehicle can prove to be too much for pets, even if only left for a short time and parked in the shade.
It's advisable not to take pets with you if there is a chance they'll be left unattended.
Charges can be laid against someone if it's been found they've caused distress to an animal. That could lead to jail time, hefty fines or a prohibition on pet ownership.
Call police if you see an animal in distress inside a vehicle.
Police have the authority under the Nova Scotia Animal Cruelty Prevention Act to use reasonable means to remove an animal from a dangerous situation. They also have the authority to investigate cruelty to animals.
An animal seized by police can be placed in a pound until claimed by its owner. The pet's owners could be subject to an impoundment fee and other costs associated with keeping the animal.
So when the weather gets hot, be kind to your pets. Leave them home and avoid keeping them in vehicles on hot days.
