The Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) says rescuing an animal from a parked vehicle may hinder the ability of law enforcement to lay charges.
Unless the animal is unresponsive or in visible distress breaking into a vehicle may put that animal at risk in the future because the owner won’t be charged.
WHS says that according to the Animal Care Act of Manitoba the WHS and other agencies must have solid evidence that the animal was neglected inside a hot car. The WHS claims that if a pet is removed from a hot car there is no proof the animal was in distress and therefore no evidence that can be used in court against the owner.
Katie Powell from Save a Dog Network agrees. She suggests that before you take drastic action like breaking into a vehicle you should call emergency services like police, fire or animal control.
“Breaking into a car is a criminal act” says Powell. “Take note of time, vehicle description and licence plates and call the authorties” “If you do take pictures and video, which is a good idea, give them to the police and don’t post them on social media” she says.
Powell went on to say, “People often don’t think… they may only intend on being a few minutes but then get sidetracked and comeback to find the animal in distress.” “We need to educate people on dealing with their pets, not only for leaving them in cars but for more basic things too.”
Animals that are unresponsive should be removed from a vehicle as quickly as possible says the WHS.
-News4 Staff –
