Pet owners still don't get it

While police, SPCA and regional district held a press conference on the importance of not leaving pets in hot vehicles, five complaints about dogs left in cars were received at the Kelowna shelter.

One was potentially serious, as two dogs were left in a small bus in a downtown parking lot for more than 2 1/2 hours. Although the windows were open, temperatures soared to more than 30 C, prompting dog control to issue a ticket and the SPCA to issue an order.

In the Central Okanagan, fines of $150 can be implemented against dog owners for leaving pets inside a hot vehicle. Since the bylaw was adopted last year, 10 tickets have been issued.

Kathy Woodward with the SPCA says it can take as little as 10 minutes for temperatures to reach a point that can seriously harm or kill a pet.

“Dogs have no sweat glands, so they cool themselves by panting and by releasing heat through their paws. On summer days, the hot air and upholstery in a vehicle can make it impossible for pets to cool themselves,” she explains. “Dogs can withstand high temperatures for only a short period of time.”

According to Kelowna shelter manager Suzanne Pugh, across B.C., the organization responded to more than 1,100 calls for animals left in hot vehicles last year.

So far, this summer, there have been more than 850. “In Kelowna ... we have already had staff out to 80 calls.”

Responding to the calls takes staff away from caring for animals at the shelter.

“Every year, throughout the summer, I am faced with making the decision to close the shelter doors because our team has to be out on the road responding emergency situations with animals left in hot vehicles. It is a really difficult choice to make. We have to respond to the emergency situation, but it also prevents homeless animals being adopted if we are closed.”

During the press conference, RCMP Const. Steve Holmes placed a stuffed dog inside a vehicle parked in the shade. After only 10 minutes, temperatures climbed from 26 C to 34 C.  A car parked in direct sunlight had an inside temperature of 45 C.

“If there is enough evidence during an investigation, that person can be charged under the criminal charge for neglect or cause of suffering to an animal,” says Holmes.

If you see a pet in distress in a hot vehicle, call the Kelowna SPCA at 250-861-7722, dog control at 250-469-6284, or the RCMP.

Holmes says police don’t advocate the public take matters into their own hands and smash a window. Instead, he asks the public to educate themselves on the symptoms of distress.

Photo: Nicholas Johansen

Dog found in bus. July 30.