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Hot pets are not cool

Fines possible for owners leaving pets in hot vehicles

The B.C. Liberal government and the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) have a message for dog owners – leaving pets in hot cars is not cool.

The latest partnership between the BC SPCA and the B.C. Liberal government is a joint public awareness campaign to help British Columbians remember:

During warm weather, or on a humid day, temperatures in vehicles can rise sharply in 10 to 20 minutes, even in the shade with the windows partly open, and can rapidly reach a level that will seriously harm or even kill your pet. To a dog in a car, it can be a matter of life or death.

Owners who expose pets to excessive heat can be charged under the B.C. government's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, with maximum penalties of $75,000 fines and two-year imprisonment.

Not every dog in every car needs to be rescued. Learn to spot the signs of a dog in distress before acting:

Exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting)

Salivation

Anxious or staring expression

Weakness or muscle tremors

Lack of co-ordination

• Convulsions or vomiting

• Unresponsive to tapping at window

"Protecting animals takes a combination of strong laws, sincere animal welfare values, ongoing public awareness and ensuring there are consequences for those who abuse animals," Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick says.

"British Columbia has the toughest animal cruelty penalties in Canada and our ongoing partnership with the BC SPCA and agricultural leaders in the province will keep animal welfare in all of our minds and reinforce the expectation that each and every animal in B.C. is treated with the care and respect they deserve."