As summer approaches, the B.C. government and the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (BC SPCA) are reminding dog owners that, ‘leaving pets in hot cars is not cool.’  

Province of B.C. on Flickr.

On Thursday, they hosted Animal Protection Day at the Parliament buildings as part of the latest partnership between the BC SPCA and the B.C. government to raise awareness about the importance of treating all animals, at all times, with the respect and care they deserve.

During warm weather, or on a humid day, vehicles can intensely warm up in 10 to 20 minutes. Even in the shade with the windows partially open, the temperature can seriously harm or even kill a pet.

Owners who expose pets to excessive heat can face $75,000 fines and two-year imprisonment the B.C. government's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Photo Credit: Government of B.C. on Flickr. Premier Christy Clark (centre) and B.C. Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick at the Animal Protection Day event at Parliament.

If a dog in a car is panting excessively, salivating, anxious, weak, uncoordinated, convulsing, vomiting or unresponsive, call for help. Last year alone, the BC SPCA investigated more than 10,000 complaints of animal abuse and neglect and provided care and assistance to 43,249 animals in distress.

In the last two years, the B.C. government and the BC SPCA have worked together to upgrade or replace BC SPCA facilities in 10 B.C. communities, including Kelowna.

Photo Credit: Province of B.C. on Flickr.

B.C. Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick and BC SPCA CEO Craig Daniell presented this year's proclamation to BC SPCA volunteers Tara Kozocari and Catherine Goede to honour their and their fellow volunteers' many hours of dedicated service.

"Protecting animals takes a combination of strong laws, sincere animal welfare values, ongoing public awareness and ensuring there are consequences for those who abuse animals,” said Letnick. “B.C. has the toughest animal cruelty penalties in Canada and our ongoing partnership with the BC SPCA and agricultural leaders in the province will keep animal welfare in all of our minds and reinforce the expectation that each and every animal in British Columbia is treated with the care and respect they deserve."

Photo Credit: Government of B.C. on Flickr.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act was updated in 2011 to toughen animal cruelty penalties.