'It's not just about temperature': PEI Humane Society reminds people not to leave pets in cars

As the weather gets warmer, the Humane Society of PEI is starting to get calls about dogs being left in cars. It's an issue that the society said comes up around this time every year.

"Day one when it gets warm, we start to get the calls from people," said Executive Director Marla Somersall.

The society is trying to remind people of the dangers of leaving animals in the heat of a car.

'It's not just temperature'

Charlottetown Police responded to a call on Tuesday about two dogs that were left in a car.

In that instance, Cpl. Dean Fields responded to the call, and he said after speaking with both the person who called to make the complaint, and the owner of the car, he concluded that the dogs weren't at risk.

Even at 15 degrees, it can get up to 30 in a car in a very short period of time.-Marla Somersall, PEI Humane Society

"The situation was explained fully to my satisfaction," said Fields. He noted it was only 13 degrees out at the time, and a window was open slightly.

But Somersall said even in mild temperatures, and even with a window open, or the car parked in the shade, pets should never be left in a car.

"It's not just about temperature. I mean there's temperature and there's humidity, so they're both factors. But even at 15 degrees, it can get up to 30 in a car in a very short period of time," said Somersall.

More awareness

So far this year, the PEI Humane Society has received 14 calls about pets left either in the cold, or in the heat.

Somersall said the number of calls the shelter receives is fairly consistent year over year. But she said she's noticed increased publicity on the issue in the last few years, which she thinks has likely helped.

"There's more people who are remembering to leave their dogs at home, and there are more people who, when they see a dog, won't say 'oh well it's not really my responsibility.' They will call, and make sure that that dog is safe," said Somersall.

What to do

Somersall said if someone is concerned about an animal, and can't find the owner, they can call either the police in the Humane Society.

She said among the many calls the shelter receives each year, typically one or two involve a pet that is in serious distress, which would require police to open the car.

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