Pet owners are being reminded not to leave their pets in a vehicle on a hot day, even if you are in the shade and a window is open.
It's going to be a scorcher for the next couple of days, and pet owners are reminded to use common sense when it comes to animals and cars.
OPP Constable Ed Sanchuk reminds everyone that the temperature inside a car can skyrocket quickly.
"On a day when the temperature is 26 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside the vehicle parked in the shade can reach 32 degrees Celsius. If you leave your motor vehicle in the sun, the temperature can reach 72 degrees Celsius."
Although people may mean well, Sanchuk cautions against smashing windows to try and get animals out of a vehicle.
"If we find ourselves smashing someone's vehicle and we engage our partners in the OSPCA or ASPCA involved in our investigation and they determine that animal is not in a form of distress, then they might possibility be facing charges."
The best things you can do are take note of the make, model, and colour of the car, as well as the licence plate:
"They're encouraged to page that owner right away, but they're also encouraged to contact the police immediately." Sanchuk says. "If that dog is in distress once police arrive on scene, then we will take the necessary action of entering that vehicle. We just don't want to see innocent civilians putting themselves in harms way in case an owner comes out of a restaurant or store and then a confrontation starts."
People who put their animals in danger by leaving them in a car can face charges under the Criminal Code including:
Cause unnecessary suffering – maximum sentence of 5 years in jail.
Injure or endanger an animal – maximum sentence of 5 years in jail.
Neglect an animal – maximum sentence of 2 year in jail.

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