Hot Cars and Dogs Don't Mix- RCMP Reminder

Leave Fido at home, not in your car

With temperatures expected to remain in double digits for the foreseeable future, the Nanaimo RCMP wishes to advise the public on what to do if you see a dog or any animal left unattended in a parked vehicle.

We understand and appreciate how the public must feel when they see an animal left unattended in a parked vehicle. We also recognize the majority of these calls are often resolved without injury to the animal or without causing damage to the vehicle, said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Animal Control and the SPCA have no authority to remove an animal from a vehicle and will contact the RCMP if it is necessary to do so. Follow this check list before contacting any of the aforementioned agencies

•  Is the vehicle parked in the direct sun (feel the hood), is there some shade?
•  Are the windows down, does the animal have air flow and water?
•  How long have you observed the animal for?
•  How is animal behaving? (panting, lying down, barking, vomiting, etc.)
•  Have you tried to find the owner by going to nearby stores, having the owner paged by vehicle description and plate number, inquiring with nearby pedestrians or others?

If you observe an animal that is shaking uncontrollably, appears lethargic or has lost coordination, it is most likely in distress and thus, warrants the attendance of the RCMP, said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.


Lastly, it should be noted the City of Nanaimo has recently instituted a bylaw where if it is determined the interior temperature of the vehicle has exceeded 23 degrees Celsius and/or there is no ventilation, the operator of the vehicle could be subject to a $500 fine and their animal could be seized.