It’s time to put a sticker on it.
That’s the message from the Edmonton Humane Society to people who can’t remember to not leave their pets inside vehicles during the hot summer days and cold winter months.
Peace officer Grey said that she wishes people had more common sense and that the stickers weren’t necessary. She has seen what happens when dogs, cats and even budgies are left inside cars for any period of time when the heat is 15C or greater. There are many upsetting stories to tell, she added.
“There have been some pretty tough ones.”
One such incident in 2011 involved a dog left in a vehicle at the Kinsmen Sports Centre “for a number of hours.”
“It was to the point where we almost had to break into the vehicle and get the dog out of there. Otherwise, it was going to be in severe danger.”
She said that the number of incidents rises along with the temperature. Last year alone, she and other animal control peace officers responded to more than 200 cases between May and September.
That’s why the EHS has teamed up with the Waterloo Ford Lincoln car dealership to create and distribute stickers that she hopes the public will pick up and stick up as a mass reminder.
“I think it’s huge!” Grey stated. “It’s the first of its kind that’s being done. I think it’s absolutely going to make a difference.”
EHS spokesperson Shawna Randolph reminded people that pets can only last a short time in hot, confined spaces before they start to suffer severe brain damage and even death. She said that even though the message is easier to talk about in May, it is important all year round.
“We’re not just talking about the summer months. We’re talking about the wintertime as well. Animals’ lives are put at risk.”
Within the next week, the free stickers will be available for pick up at several locations in the city including Paradise Pet Centre, Global Pet Foods, Mission Ridge Animal Hospital, Red Willow Veterinary Hospital, St. Albert Animal Clinic, Tudor Glen Veterinary Hospital and St. Albert Centre.
If you spot an animal experiencing signs of distress inside a vehicle, whether it’s because of heat, cold or other factors, you can help. If it happens in Edmonton, call Animal Protection at 780-491-3517. If it’s in St. Albert, call the Alberta SPCA at 780-447-3600 or the local RCMP. Owners who leave animals in distress can be charged under the Animal Protection Act.
Call the EHS at 780-471-1774 or visit www.edmontonhumanesociety.com for more information on pet health and safety.
