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Fines coming to Port Moody residents leaving dogs in cars

An amendment to bylaws in the city of Port Moody, gives by-law enforcement officers the power to ticket residents who leave their pets in hot cars. Global News

The City of Port Moody has granted by-law officers the ability to hand out tickets to people leaving pets in a hot car.

The change comes following Tuesday’s council meeting and mirrors Coquitlam’s own pet bylaws.

Senior bylaw enforcement officer Patrick Colby said the first offence will result in a $100 fine.

“Any subsequent occurrences under the same section of the animal control by-law will result in a $500 fine.”

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READ MORE: Dog crying inside of extremely hot vehicle is rescued

And if the fines don’t put an end to the offender, he said they can escalate enforcement.

“[If] there is an extraordinary circumstance like that, we do have authority under the community charters to seize any animals that may seem in distress.”
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Colby added there has been an upward trend of people leaving dogs in cars this summer.

READ MORE: Why you should never smash the window when you see a dog in a hot car

In a release, Port Moody’s mayor Mike Clay said By-law Enforcement staff received complaints about animals left in vehicles and a gap in the Animal Control Bylaw meant the city couldn’t do anything.

Clay hopes these amendments will encourage dog owners to make the right choice and keep their animals safe.

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