With warmer weather hitting the Foothills, residents may want to take their furry friends out for a cruise.

When it comes to shopping trips however, you're better off leaving your pet at home.

Municipal Enforcement Officer Sam Burnett says along with the obvious health risk to the pet, multiple fines can be issued relating to leaving a dog in a hot car.

"If it's a warm day out, leave your dog at home. That's the best advice I can give. For fines, here are different sections for injurious heat, inadequate water, inadequate ventilation, and those fines can range anywhere up to $2000 per offence, and to be honest, it's just not worth it."

Residents may feel compelled to take action if they see an animal trapped in a hot car, but Officer Burnett says citizens are better off contacting Municipal Enforcement via their 24 hour complaint line.

"We do have surface temperature readers, thermometers, various things we can use in and around these vehicles to make a determination of what the temperature is in there, what the dog's condition is, and what the appropriate actions are. As a Peace Officer under the Animal Protection Act, we do have the authority to enter the vehicle by any means necessary to rescue a dog that's in distress; as a private person you don't. Your best best is to contact is immediately, we prioritize those calls, we'll head out right away and manage the situation."

He also recommends taking note of the make, model, and colour of the car to make it easier for officers to locate the vehicle when they arrive on scene.

If you do take your pet out for a ride, he recommends planning for very brief stops and make sure to bring plenty of water.

 

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