Winnipeg police are issuing a warning to pet owners this spring: don't leave pets alone inside heating vehicles.
Police said Sunday they have responded to three calls regarding animals left in vehicles in the past 24 hours. One person was fined under the Animal Care Act in relation to one of the incidents.
Officers say any pet left alone inside a vehicle must have access to water and the vehicle must have proper ventilation. Even on a warm day with a car parked in the shade and windows slightly open, police say extreme temperatures can be reached.
"We're asking members of the public to be cautious with respect to leaving animals in a vehicle for any period of time without proper ventilation and certainly access to water," said Const. Jason Michalyshen. "Animals can suffer serious injuries such as heart attacks, seizures ... they can even pass away in vehicles under even moderate conditions and I don't think any owner would want to come across that."
If you spot a dog or cat left inside a vehicle and are concerned for its safety, police ask that you try to find the owner by contacting any nearby businesses or, if necessary, by calling police.
