Leave Fido at home, not in your vehicle

Nanaimo

2023-07-26 10:36 PDT

File # 2023

With temperatures expected to remain in double digits for the foreseeable future, the Nanaimo RCMP is providing some direction to the public on what to do if a dog or any animal is found unattended in a parked vehicle.

We understand and appreciate how the public must feel when they see an animal left unattended in a parked vehicle. Of the 13 calls for service since June 1, 2023, all were resolved successfully without any injury to the animal or causing damage to the vehicle, said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

It should be noted that Animal Control and the SPCA have no authority to remove an animal from a vehicle and will contact the RCMP if it is necessary to do so. Follow this check list before contacting any of the aforementioned agencies

•  Is the vehicle parked in the direct sun (feel the hood), is there some shade?
•  Are the windows down, does the animal have air flow and water?
•  How long have you observed the animal for?
•  How is animal behaving? (panting, lying down, barking, vomiting, etc.)
•  Have you tried to find the owner by going to nearby stores, having the owner paged by vehicle description and plate number, inquiring with nearby pedestrians or others?

If you observe an animal that is shaking uncontrollably, appears quite lethargic or has lost coordination, it is most likely in distress and warrants the attendance of the RCMP, said R/Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

It should also be noted the City of Nanaimo has a bylaw in place that deals with situations where an  animal is found in a vehicle without sufficient ventilation or shade. If found liable, the operator of the vehicle could receive a $500 fine and their animal may be seized.

If you have any questions about animal care or the signs of heat distress, please call Nanaimo Animal Control at 250-616-0233, or go to their website at www.nacsanimalcontrol.ca. Lastly, to avoid these situations, it is strongly suggested that during the hot days of summer, all animals should be left at home and not in vehicles.

Released by

Cst. Gary O'Brien

Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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