Ontario SPCA kicks off No Hot Pets campaign to warn of the danger of leaving pets in vehicles


STOUFFVILLE, Ontario, June 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With summer upon us, the Ontario SPCA launched its 2018 No Hot Pets campaign today in partnership with SPCAs and humane societies from across Canada to remind the public about the danger of leaving pets unattended in vehicles.

I left the window down for him” and “I wasn’t going to be gone long” are just a few of the excuses the Ontario SPCA has heard. There is NO excuse for leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle! The Ontario SPCA has a zero tolerance policy and charges will be laid if animals are found by an Ontario SPCA agent or inspector to be in distress inside a vehicle.

The Ontario SPCA is asking the public to share the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles using the hashtag #nohotpets on social media. You can also help make a difference by going online to nohotpets.ca to take the pledge never to leave an animal in a vehicle and to report it if you see it happen. Those who pledge will receive a free No Hot Pets window decal for their vehicles, while supplies last.

“People still aren’t getting the message about how dangerous it is to leave your pet unattended in a vehicle,” says Connie Mallory, Chief Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “It’s completely unacceptable. Leave your pet at home, and if you must take your pet, make sure that someone is with it at all times.”

Businesses across the province are also getting on board with the No Hot Pets campaign and are welcoming animals into their place of business while pet owners shop. For a complete list of participating businesses, as well as information on how to register, visit nohotpets.ca

Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the car parked in the shade and the windows slightly open. Dogs have a limited ability to sweat, so even a short time in a hot environment can be life-threatening.

If you observe an animal suffering in the heat, call 310-SPCA (7722) or your local police.

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society:

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's Animal Welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of close to 50 communities.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first Animal Welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce Animal Welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.

Ontario SPCA provides leadership in animal welfare innovations including introducing high-volume spay/neuter services to Ontario and opening the Provincial Education and Animal Centre.

OntarioSPCA.ca

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Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0546ff20-5089-40ba-ab3c-763a3f6a74c2


            
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