If there were an advertisement for leaving pets in the car, the slogan would be “just don’t do it.”
Brad Nichols, of the Calgary Humane Society, said they have already responded to 48 cases of dogs locked in hot cars so far this summer — and the average is typically about 200 over the summer months.
“That doesn’t include the multiple people we have referred to Calgary police of Animal and bylaw,” he added.
“I think it’s a case of people making bad decisions and not realizing how dangerous it can be for their animals.”
Bylaw services director Bill Bruce said the city has also responded to about a dozen cases and if animals are distressed, owners can face a $100 fine.
“We get complaints and responded ASAP but in some cases the pet owner and pet are already gone. It’s usually a case of education rather than enforcement,” Bruce said.
“But in some cases, if the animal is in distress we will break into the car and take them to a veterinarian.”
