OPP warns of dangers of leaving pets in cold cars

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The OPP is issuing a reminder to not leave your pets alone in cold vehicles.

It’s well known that you shouldn’t leave your pets in the car unattended in hot weather, but the OPP said it has the same risks in the cold and could lead to “deadly consequences.”

A good rule of thumb is if it’s too cold for you to be inside a vehicle that isn’t running, it’s too cold for your pet.

“If you own or are caring for companion animals, you need to take extra precautions to protect them from the extreme cold,” said the OPP in a news release.

“The best place for your pet is inside, except when you take them outside for exercise or if it is a breed of dog capable of surviving outdoor weather.”

Even those breeds that are used to colder weather should still be watched and precautions should be taken when it is extremely cold.

“Cars hold in the cold, acting like refrigerators, which could cause your pet to freeze to death,” said the OPP.

If your pet is found in a cold vehicle unattended, it could lead to potential charges of causing unnecessary suffering, injuring or endangering an animal and neglecting an animal. All of those charges could mean jail time.

If you see an animal in a vehicle when it’s cold out and it could be in distress, you are asked to get as much information as you can. That includes the make, model and license plate of the vehicle.

You should then go into the business the vehicle is parked at, have the owner paged, and call police.