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Dog almost dies in Cowichan Valley parking lot after being left in hot vehicle

Police arrived just in time to save the lives of two dogs that were left in a hot car last Saturday.
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CPL. KRISTA HOBDAY

Police arrived just in time to save the lives of two dogs that were left in a hot car last Saturday.

Outside temperatures were at 30 C, and even though the owner had rolled the windows down about six inches, the dogs were in obvious distress when police arrived.

“The two animals were taken to the Cowichan SPCA where one dog was near death,” North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Krista Hobday said. “His body temperature upon arrival at the SPCA was 41.7 degrees after being in transport for approximately nine minutes. At 43 degrees, he would have been put down.”

The dog is believed to have sustained irreparable damage from the incident, and an investigation is underway to determine if charges are warranted.

With higher-than-normal temperatures in the Valley, it is important to be diligent with pets and the way they are transported, Hobday reminded residents.

“It is always recommended to leave your pets at home where they have access to shade and a water source, but it is not always practicable,” she said. “When you must bring your pet with you, please be cognizant of the rising temperatures inside the vehicle.”

Hobday suggested bringing someone along to keep an eye on the pet outside the vehicle, and to always have a source of water available.

Anyone who witnesses an animal in distress in a hot car should contact the SPCA (250-746-4646) first, then try the RCMP non-emergency line (250-748-5522) or the Animal Cruelty Hotline (1-855-622-7722). After that, contact nearby businesses to alert their customers, or, in a park or non-commercial area, call out to see if the owner is nearby. In a residential area, door-knocking is recommended. Record any information about the state the animal is in, and whether or not the windows are down or there is a water source, to report to the SPCA.



Kevin Rothbauer

About the Author: Kevin Rothbauer

Kevin Rothbauer is the sports reporter for the Cowichan Valley Citizen
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