We All Know The Rule: Don’t leave pets in hot cars, yet people keep doing it

A heat wave sweeping across the much of eastern North America putting people and pets in danger.

Already, human deaths are being reported in Canada and the United States as temperatures soar. And, it was a near miss for one pooch in Nova Scotia.

Erin Rowe gave a shout out to Global Pet Foods in Halifax for giving air-conditioned shelter and water to a pooch that was left in a hot vehicle as the humidex rose to 40C.

“His cries were heard and reported by a good Samaritan and his plastic travel crate, with very little ventilation, was pulled from the SUV,” she posted on Facebook. “The owner showed up 30 minutes later but thanks to the quick response of the Halifax Regional Police, she was issued a $700 fine.”

The dog looks on from the comfort of a pet store. Erin Rowe/Facebook

This is one lucky dog.

Now, Global Pet Foods is raising awareness.

“It is apparent to us that some folks in HRM are still not aware of the dangers of leaving pets in cars,” the company said. “Thankfully the little guy was ok, but things could have ended very differently.”

This is on very lucky — and totally adorable — little dog. Erin Rowe/Facebook

“Separation anxiety is no excuse. It is much better to leave them at home in a controlled temperature than in a hot car…If you have trouble leaving your pet at home, please ask for help! It could save your window, your wallet and MOST importantly, your precious pet.”

 

And this incident happened even after a police warning.

“Especially with the forecasted temperatures and humidity, Halifax Regional Police reminds citizens to not leave pets unattended in parked vehicles,” the department said. “On a warm day, even with the windows open, a parked vehicle quickly becomes like a furnace and presents potentially fatal conditions for pets left inside.”

In case you need more convincing, watch this.

An IKEA in Cologne, Germany came up with an even more brilliant solution.

For years the Swedish furniture company has offered cool parking for pooches.

A barking lot, if you will.

Many shops will also let pets inside, even if they aren’t service animals.

If in doubt, ask.

Better yet, leave your best friend in the comfort of home when it’s a scorcher outside.

An IKEA barking lot in Germany. Iwan Gabovitch/Flickr

The Winnipeg Humane Society has just launched a unique awareness campaign.

The shelter wants every driver in the province to place a “A Hot Car Can Kill” decal in their car windows.

Despite its annual reminder about the deadly consequences, the society still receives hundreds of calls about pets left unattended in vehicles. There were 324 last year, 185 in 2016 and 226 in 2015.

“We need to do more for our pets when it comes to this issue,” Kyle Jahns, a humane society spokesman, said in a statement. “To make a difference, people must be more aware of the intolerable conditions inside a hot vehicle and share this message with all Manitobans. Pets should not suffer over such an easily prevented issue.”

Main photo Erin Rowe/Facebook

About the author

Recovering newspaper reporter.

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