The Bruce Peninsula Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want to remind all pet owners to never leave your pet unattended in a hot motor vehicle. Police received a complaint from a concerned member of the public after they observed a pet left inside motor vehicle with the windows partially down.

The OPP is urging all pet owners to never leave any pets in their vehicles unattended. This could have deadly consequences for your pet. If it's too hot for you to sit inside the vehicle with a fur coat on, then it's too hot for your pet.

On a day where the temperature is 26 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside a vehicle parked in the shade reaches 32 degrees Celsius. If you leave your motor vehicle in the sun the temperature can reach 71 degrees Celsius. This is extremely hot and can have devastating effects on your pet.

Dogs and cats pant to cool themselves, but this is ineffective when they are surrounded by heat. On summer days the air and upholstery in your vehicle can heat up to high temperatures that make it impossible for pets to cool themselves. Your pet will be more comfortable if left at home or at the cottage.

A domesticated pet is dependent on the owner for proper care such as food, shelter and water. The Criminal Code of Canada has specific sections that deal with the mistreatment of animals.

Cause unnecessary suffering – maximum sentence of 5 years in jailInjure or endanger an animal – maximum sentence of 5 years in jailNeglect an animal – maximum sentence of 2 year in jail

There is also a South Bruce Peninsula, Animal Control By-Law 93-2013, Part II, Section 8-8.9 and a North Bruce Peninsula Dog Regulation By-Law 2013-81, Part I, Section 7k:

"No person shall cause, permit or allow an animal to be confined in a vehicle or other confined space without appropriate ventilation or left in a vehicle or other confined space if the weather conditions are not suitable for containment of an animal."

Anyone that leaves an animal unattended in a motor vehicle can face a fine of $340 dollars.

If you see an animal in a vehicle on a warm or humid day who you believe may be in distress, gather as much information as you can. Obtain the make, model and licence plate of the vehicle, and immediately enter the store and have the owner paged. If they are not located, call the local By-Law officer or contact police.

source: media release, Bruce Peninsula OPP