With temperatures expected to remain in double digits, Nanaimo RCMP is advising the public on what to do if an animal is 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," said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. "We also recognize the majority of these calls are often resolved without injury to the animal or without causing damage to the vehicle."
According to O'Brien, City of Nanaimo 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. He recommends asking questions before contacting any of the agencies.
Is the vehicle parked in the direct sun, or is there some shade?
Are the windows down, does the animal have air flow and water?
For how long has the animal been observed in this condition?
How is animal behaving – any panting, lying down, barking, vomiting?
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 warrants the attendance of the RCMP, O'Brien said.
The City of Nanaimo has recently instituted a bylaw where if it is determined the interior temperature of the vehicle has exceeded 23 degrees or there is no ventilation, the operator of the vehicle could be subject to a $500 fine and their animal could be seized.
