Police are cautioning motorists that car interiors heat up quickly on hot days setting up dangerous conditions for children and pets left inside.
There have been no calls involving children left in cars, but police have responded to several calls about pets that appeared to have been in distress after being left in vehicles.
"Since the middle of June we've had seven calls about dogs left in cars," said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman.
All calls were resolved, none involved injury to the pets involved.
Police are advising people who find an animal left in a vehicle that appears to be in distress to follow these steps:
- Try to provide shade or water for the animal.
- Call 911. A police officer will then be assigned.
- Look for the owner of the car. Go to nearby stores or if possible have the driver paged.
- Stay with the car until police arrive.
In most cases a police officer can be there within minutes.
O'Brien said police expect people to take reasonable measures and use common sense in these situations, the overwhelming majority of which are resolved without any physical injury to the animal and with the owner being located.
Nanaimo RCMP do not advise people attempt to enter or break into a vehicle, but to wait for a police officer who will provide direction on what to do.