With warmer weather setting in, police in Woodstock are seeing an increase in calls concerning animals left in vehicles.
Police are reminding drivers of the danger associated with leaving animals in cars on warm days, even for just a few minutes. Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in vehicles.
It only takes ten minutes for the temperature of a closed vehicle to rise by 20 degrees, with the windows closed. Temperatures can increase by 30 degrees in just 20 minutes, with the longer duration meaning an increase in danger.
Police say leaving the windows open a crack will not do much to increase animals' comfort. Sudden increases in temperature can lead to serious illness for a pet, even death.
Drivers are encouraged to leave their animals at home when keeping appointments or running errands. If you must bring your pet with you, for a veterinary appointment for example, police say you should make arrangements to leave your animals in a safe place or go straight there and home. Do not leave the animal in the car.
