When whimpers from a dog were heard from a parked vehicle in Halifax Tuesday, it didn’t take long for bystanders to respond in an attempt to rescue the animal from the scorching heat.
“I was absolutely devastated that someone actually still does that in today’s day and age with all the warnings out there. So, I jumped into action. So it was like my own child, my own dog,” said Erin Rowe, one of the people who helped the dog.
A heat warning has been issued by Environment Canada for the Halifax region this week.
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Police say extreme heat can have serious repercussions on animals left in vehicles.
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“To me, it’s surprising when we get one call because if it’s this hot out, you shouldn’t have your pet left in your vehicle and we do respond to numerous complaints,” said Const. Carol McIsaac, a spokesperson with Halifax Regional Police.
Rowe says they called 911 in the Halifax incident, and police confirm the owner received a $700 fine.
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“[The dog was] 100 per cent in distress. It was in a small travel carrier, which had little ventilation and it was crying inside,” Rowe said.
The incident has left Rowe shaken. She’s a dog owner herself and hopes the general public considers how serious leaving animals or children in vehicles can be.
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“If you are going to be going shopping or you’re going to be having to leave your car, do not take your dog with you. Leave the dog at home, leave your child at home, it’s hot out there, they don’t need to be waiting in the car for you, they can be waiting at home for you,” she said.