With the arrival of warm summer weather, the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wants to remind pet owners that a hot vehicle is no place for a pet. A domesticated pet is dependent on the owner for proper care like food, shelter and water. On a day where the temperature is 26 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside a vehicle parked in the shade reaches 32 degrees Celsius while the temperature inside a vehicle in the hot sun can reach 71 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of a sauna is 70 degrees Celsius – 90 degrees Celsius.

The Criminal Code of Canada has sections that deal with the mistreatment of animals.

Cause unnecessary suffering – maximum sentence of 5 years in jail

Injure or endanger an animal – maximum sentence of 5 years in jail

Neglect an animal – maximum sentence of 2 years in jail

Take good care of your pets, it's not just the right thing to do, it's the law.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information that can assist police to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or send a web-tip to www.crimestop-gb.org, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

source: media release, South Bruce OPP