Over a dozen cases of dogs being kept in vehicles during hot days have required RCMP attention in Nanaimo since the start of June. (Dreamstime)

By Alex Rawnsley

dog days of summer

‘You’d better think twice:’ Nanaimo Mounties urge caution before smashing windows to rescue hot dogs

Aug 3, 2023 | 4:22 PM

NANAIMO — Hot summer weather is prompting police to issue warnings for both pet owners, and those who might see an animal in distress.

Since the start of June, Nanaimo RCMP officers have dealt with 13 calls for service involving dogs being locked inside parked cars in some level of distress due to the heat.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW all were handled without damage to the car or harm to the dog.

“If you take it upon yourself to smash a car window to remove a dog, and you think you’re doing the best thing, you’d better think twice about it because you could be charged criminally for mischief and also be on the hook for the damage to the car.”

People who spot a dog potentially in some trouble should first check whether the car is in direct sun, if the windows are down and how the animal is behaving.

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Dogs in heat distress typically lay down, pant excessively and potentially bark or vomit.

Onlookers are also required to make every attempt to find the owner of the dog by going to nearby stores or offices.

Barring finding the owner, police have to be called as even Animal Control or BC SPCA staff don’t have the authority to smash a car window to rescue an animal.

O’Brien said it’s a judgement call whether or not to call the non-emergency line, or 911.

“If you sense the animal is in distress and you have taken measures to find the owner, you can’t find shade for the car, there’s no source of ventilation, there’s no water in the car and the dog appears to be going into distress, you may have to call 911.”

Issues in the City of Nanaimo are covered under bylaw with a potential $500 fine and seizure of the animal.

Serious injury or even death of the dog would trigger potential criminal code charges.

Nanaimo Animal Control can be reached at 250 616 0233 or through their website.

O’Brien added these situations are easy to avoid if pet owners leave their animals at home, instead of bringing them in the car with them.

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