The Saanich Police Department and members of the Saanich Pound are asking the public to be cautious about how citizens are treating their animals.
With increased temperatures, the risk of harm to animals increases, unless safeguards are considered.
If your animal is left outside for the duration of the day, considerations such a shade and water are a must.
If you must take your animal with you in a vehicle, it is important to remember that the ambient temperatures inside a vehicle rapidly increase once the vehicle is no longer running or in motion. Even with windows slightly open, in as little as ten minutes, the temperature inside of a parked vehicle can increase enough to cause serious harm or kill your beloved pet.
“Over the past several weeks, we have had several reported incidents of dogs left in parked vehicles, including two reports today” Saanich Pound Inspector Susan Ryan stated. “We ask for people to consider whether they should be taking their animal with them, or leave the animal at home where it has access to shade and water”.
There have been no reported pet casualities that have occurred so far this year from heatstroke. It is hoped that this reminder will prevent a family from having to deal with the loss of a pet.
For further information including symptoms of heatstroke in a pet, please visit the following link:
http://www.spca.bc.ca/pet-care/health-safety/dogs-in-hot-cars.html
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158