Nanaimo RCMP are reminding pet owners to leave their furry friends at home. Constable Gary O’Brien says they’re getting at least one call a day about dogs in hot cars, and the local SPCA branch gets at least three calls a day.
O’Brien says there are a few critical warning signs to look for if you spot a pet in a parked car, and calling 911 is the best option.
He says if the car is parked in the shade, the windows are cracked and there’s water for the pet, you have a little more time. He says you should check local stores and ask for the owner to be paged before calling 911 if you don’t think it’s an emergency. But he says if you do call, stay on the scene and keep tabs on the situation. He says breaking a window is something they never want members of the public to resort to though.
The number for Animal control is 250-754-1397. That number can also be called after hours.
