With a heat warning in effect throughout much of southern BC over the past week, residents are still being reminded of ways to keep cool and safe from possible effects of prolonged exposure, outside or in their homes.
People are not the only concern, especially when travelling in vehicles. BC SPCA is reminding pet owners not to leave their furry friends unattended and, better yet, to leave them at home.
Leaving car windows open a crack is not enough for proper ventilation; it only takes minutes before the interior becomes an oven. When temperatures reach 26 degrees Celsius outside, which the Sunshine Coast has surpassed all week, it’s 43 degrees inside vehicles. A few minutes alone can cause distress and even heat stroke in pets, according to BC SPCA.
Owners who expose pets to excessive heat can be charged under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, with maximum penalties of $75,000 fines and two-years imprisonment.
City of Powell River Animal Control Bylaw 36.a) stipulates: “No person shall cause an animal to be confined in an enclosed space, including a motor vehicle, without sufficient ventilation to prevent the animal from suffering discomfort or heat stroke.”
BC SPCA advises people not to break a window to rescue an animal, which risks harming the good samaritan and the pet, but to call 911 and share the vehicle’s colour, model, make and licence plate number. Also, the BC SPCA hotline (1.855.622.7722) dispatches BC SPCA officers, animal control officers, RCMP and other agencies.
Only RCMP and BC SPCA special constables have the authority to enter a vehicle lawfully to help a pet in distress.
After hovering over 30 degrees in the qathet region this week, temperatures are expected to drop a degree or two under 30 this weekend, which is still more than hot enough to cause problems. Keep pets in mind while figuring out ways to help vulnerable human family members and friends stay safe as well.
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