The city is issuing a reminder of the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles, which recently became a finable offence, after receiving dozens of complaints this spring and summer. Between May and July 20, the city received 37 complaints of animals left in hot vehicles. As of May 19, leaving an animal in a vehicle unattended was an offence that can result in a $500 fine under Edmonton’s animal care and control bylaw. A second offence can result in a fine of $1,000. Worse penalties – like fines up to $20,000 and pet seizures – can be dealt if a person is convicted under the Animal Protection Act or the Criminal Code of Canada. “I hope that is a big deterrent to pet owners,” said animal protection officer Sgt. Emma Fillion. “In a matter of minutes, the temperature within a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels, making it unsafe for animals left in that vehicle, even if it doesn’t feel particularly hot outside.” When the outdoor temperature is 15 C, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 28 C in less than 15 minutes, according to the city. During a Thursday demonstration at West Edmonton Mall, the interior temperature of a vehicle in a shaded parkade reached 30 C within a few minutes. The external temperature was 23 C at the time. Pets, especially dogs, are at risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke and death. Authorities recommend: Leaving a vehicle’s windows open is not considered reliable protection. Malls, grocery stores and hotels are the most frequent locations city peace officers and police see pets left in vehicles. “I think 99 per cent of normal dog owners don’t do it out of badness. They do it because they made a mistake and they thought they had more time than they did,” said Edmonton Police Service Const. Andrew Jarvis, stressing the need for more public education. Symptoms of heat-related illness include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, fainting, or difficulty walking and should be addressed by a veterinarian. Anyone who sees an animal left unattended in a vehicle is asked to: Jarvis advised against citizens taking severe action, like breaking windows, before it is necessary. “You can be criminally charged for doing that,” he told CTV News Edmonton. “Please call us. Even if we think we have time, we have to call the (fire department). We’re not allowed to breach the windows unless it’s in extenuating circumstances.” With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Amanda Anderson
