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Officer puts the heat on pet owners

Baton used to gain vehicle entry to help animal in distress
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Const. Janelle Shoihet with rescued dog

The White Rock RCMP is warning residents against leaving their pets in vehicles during hot weather after a Mountie forced open a truck’s driver side window to water a parched pooch near Peace Arch hospital last week.

On Wednesday, Aug. 15, Const. Janelle Shoihet responded to a call about a dog left inside a pickup truck.

It was a hot day, with a temperature around 28 degrees outside.

“The dog was in distress” Shoihet told Peace Arch News.

She was able to force the truck window open with her collapsible baton and get the dog some water.

The canine seemed to make a full recovery.

Shoihet said when the owner returned, the person was issued a “stern warning” about leaving a pet inside a vehicle under such conditions, even for a short period.

“It only takes a few minutes before a dog could get suffocated by the heat,” Shoihet said.

In an online posting, the BC SPCA said a dog can be overwhelmed by heat in as little as 10 minutes.

If it is 26 degrees outside, inside a car – even with the windows cracked – the temperature can reach 37 degrees in 10 minutes and 43 degrees in 20 minutes.

A dog’s normal temperature is 38 degrees.

If its temperature reaches 41 degrees, cell and organ damage begins to occur.

The animal protection agency says if anyone sees a dog in a car that appears to be in trouble to call police or the local SPCA immediately.

Under the B.C. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, (PCA) an officer has the power to “take any action that the authorized agent considers necessary to relieve the animal’s distress, including, without limitation, taking custody of the animal and arranging for food, water, shelter, care and veterinary treatment for it.”

In a case where an animal is deemed to be in “critical distress” no warrant is required.

The legislation was revised in 2008 to increase the maximum fine from $2,000 to $5,000 for a first offence and $10,000 for a second.

It also expanded the definition of an animal in distress to include animals who are deprived of adequate ventilation.



Dan Ferguson

About the Author: Dan Ferguson

Best recognized for my resemblance to St. Nick, I’m the guy you’ll often see out at community events and happenings around town.
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