Let’s prevent heat-related vehicle fatalities

Coquitlam, Public Alert

2023-05-09 11:12 PDT

File # Public Service Announcement

As the warmer weather approaches, Coquitlam RCMP and BC SPCA is reminding the public to refrain from leaving pets or children in their vehicles.

On summer days, the hot air and upholstery in a vehicle can make it impossible for pets or humans to cool themselves. Animals and humans can withstand high temperatures for only a short time – usually just 15 to 20 minutes – before suffering irreparable internal organ, brain damage or death.

In the spring and summer months when the weather gets warmer, the best way you can show how much you love your pet is to leave them at home, says Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer protection and stakeholders’ relations.

View larger photo - Stock image of dog sitting in the front seat of a red vehicle

If you are running errands with your pets or children, take them out of the vehicle with you, said Corporal Alexa Hodgins from Coquitlam RCMP. We are hoping through education we can prevent hot-vehicle related fatalities this spring / summer season.

Prevention Tips:

• Leave your pet at home where they can be more comfortable with water and shade
• Keep emergency supplies – such as bottled water, small bowl, towel – in your vehicle
• These items can be used to help hydrate an animal (if a window has been left open) while you wait for assistance
• Be an advocate by spreading the word that pets and children should not be left in hot vehicles

For more information, visit the BCSPCA website - Keep pets cool in the summer heat

What to do if you see a dog in distress in a parked vehicle:

• Note the licence plate and vehicle information
• If the vehicle is parked near a business, as the manage to page the owner to return to their vehicle immediately
• Call to report if no owner is found or the animal is suffering from the heat
• Contact the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 or in an emergency, contact 9-1-1

For more information, visit the BC RCMP website – Prevent pet fatalities

Released by

Cpl. Alexa Hodgins

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: coquitlam.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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