'Don't be that dog owner:' SPCA on pets in hot cars

Dog owners are being reminded once again not to leave their pets in parked vehicles.
 
Saskatoon SPCA Executive Director Patricia Cameron said it’s a problem they deal with every year.
 
“We get literally hundreds of calls every summer and early spring,” she said. “People always say ‘I was only in the store for a few minutes.'”
 
Cameron said those few minutes can be enough to put a dog into mortal danger.
 
She noted on a 20 C day the temperature inside a car can rise above 30 C within ten minutes, putting a dog in distress.
 
“Over 30 C and they can’t cool their bodies,” she said. “If they’re in that state long enough it can cause heat exhaustion and even death.”
 
“It’s just a horrible way for that animal to die.”
 
Cameron added many owners tell her it’s okay if the windows are down, but research shows edging down a car window only decreases the interior’s temperature by 1 C.
 
“Don’t be that dog owner,” she said.
 
WHAT TO DO ABOUT A DOG IN DISTRESS
 
Cameron also provided advice for anyone who witnesses a dog in a car.
 
She said if the dog is panting, they’re already in distress. But if they are non-responsive to a human’s presence, that’s even worse.
 
In those cases she advises the witness to take a picture of the car, licence plate and dog while also calling the Saskatoon SPCA or police.
 
Dog owners can be criminally charged under the Animal Protection Act for leaving their pet in distress.
 
Witnesses can also ask store clerks to page the dog owner to the front to try and relieve the dog while an animal protection officer is on route.
 
But Cameron said people shouldn’t attempt a rescue themselves.
 
“I know some people have taken it into their own hands and have broken windows,” she said.
 
“I understand… but unfortunately the law doesn’t allow for that.”
 
ANIMAL PROTECTION OFFICERS OVERWHELMED
 
Cameron is also hoping to reduce the number of dogs in cars incidents so the city’s two animal protection officers can focus on other calls.
 
“We’re still dealing with animals who have been hit by cars, who have been neglected and hoarding cases,” she said.
 
“Help us eliminate this unnecessary suffering and keep your dogs at home when you run errands.”
 
Anyone who witnesses a dog in distress can contact the Saskatoon SPCA at 306-374-7387.