With the hot and humid weather upon us, the OPP are reminding owners that leaving your pet in your car could not only be fatal to them, but could also result in charges.
Police say they receive a large number of calls from concerned citizens regarding pets left inside unattended vehicles during the warmer months. With the recent heat wave, police want to emphasize the dangers a hot vehicle can have on your pets.
They note that when conditions make it feel like 26 degrees outside, the temperature inside a vehicle parked in the shade reaches 32 degrees.
If your vehicle is left in the sun, temperatures can reach 71 degrees.
While dogs and cats pant to cool themselves, when surrounded by heat, it’s ineffective.
You could also face serious charges for leaving an animal in a hot car.
A domesticated pet is dependent on the owner for proper care such as food, shelter and water.
Ontario has the strongest penalties in Canada against animal cruelty, falling under the “PAWS Act.”
Violating these laws can result in sentences such as:
- Up to two years in jail
- Fines of up to $130,000 against an individual on a first offence, or up to $500,000 against a corporation on a first offence
- A lifetime ban on animal ownership
- Other penalties
The Criminal Code of Canada also has specific 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 year in jail
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
