Provincial police are once again reminding the public about the dangers of leaving animals in unattended, hot vehicles, after receiving several calls about such incidents over the long weekend.
Norfolk County OPP said they responded to several calls between Friday and Monday from concerned members of the public who said they observed dogs inside vehicles at various addresses in the county.
“In one incident, a vehicle was blocked in by a concerned member of the public who then became involved in a verbal altercation with the dog owner after calling police,” officials said, noting that while none of the dogs involved in the incident were in distress, it’s still dangerous to leave pets in unattended vehicles.
Vehicles left in the sun can reach temperatures of 71 degrees, police said, and upholstery can become extremely hot.
People convicted of causing unnecessary suffering, or injuring or endangering an animal can face up to five years in jail. A charge of neglecting an animal can bring a maximum sentence of two years.
“There is also a Norfolk County Care and Control of Animals By-Law 2014-46 that all residents need to be aware of,” police said in a statement. “Anyone that leaves an animal unattended in a motor vehicle can face a fine of $490 dollars.”