Some people - Grrrrr!!

SIChins · 08-07-2005, 05:01 PM

So, hubby and I made reservations to go to the marina for brunch this morning. We drove down, as he had to be back at a reasonable time, as we had to get a few things done. We go and eat, take a walk, and head back to the car, we get in, look up and see a Golden Retreiver in the car across the way from us, sort of parked in the shade, but some sun coming in the back window of the car.
We sat and watched for about 10 minutes, saw the windows were cracked (ever so slightly), and kept an eye on the dog. Our car was also parked in semi-shade, and we were warm with the windows down, so hubby and I rolled the windows up with just a crack as well, just to see how fast our car heated up. Well, we were sweating within 5 minutes. 20 minutes pass, and still no sign of the owners, they could have been ANYWHERE down there, but we figure they were in one of the restaurants eating breakfast/brunch, whatever. So, we could go everywhere trying to find them, but the dog would have cooked by then, so we decided to call the authorities, at this point the dog was panting and laying down overheating, the sun was coming into the window more, as it does at that time of day (just after noon). I didn't have the # for animal control, so I called the police non-emerg. #, I go to get the plate #, and they are Ontario plates, you would think with the heat in Ont., that they would know better, not sure of the laws there, but here you get a hefty $500 fine and lose your dog. We didn't want that to happen, but they should know better right? So by the time we get the police, and they show up, it had been 45 mins. since we first saw the dog locked in the car. The police called the animal control to come and get the dog, as the police were going to break into the car. I am just sooooo angry that someone would lock there dog in the car while they are out wining and dining at a fancy restaurant

. I don't want the dog to lose it's family, but I didn't want it to lose it's life either. I hope they learn from this. I think the dog was ok, he perked up when I went to the car with the officer, so here is hoping.

Formula86 · 08-08-2005, 04:44 AM

that's nuts! they remind us in texas about that (it's so super hot here) on the news and such. that's ridiculous! i mean, 5 min, in and out...ok. but after that, no way! i would have done the same thing. i'm glad you called.

weesiepoo · 08-08-2005, 07:03 AM

YOU DID THE RIGHT THING, YOU ARE A BRAVE COUPLE. most people would have done nothing, and might not have even thought of the consequences. hooray for you!!!

willamettevalleychins · 08-08-2005, 08:36 AM

I agree you did the right thing, I do not believe in taking baby with us on hot days, we leave her here in the cool house, no animal deserves to be locked in a hot car.

SIChins · 08-08-2005, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Formula86

that's nuts! they remind us in texas about that (it's so super hot here) on the news and such. that's ridiculous! i mean, 5 min, in and out...ok. but after that, no way! i would have done the same thing. i'm glad you called.

The local SPCA does a news segment here as well, starts airing in April and runs until August. They call is "10 minutes to death". It can be confusing here though, as the CRD (capital regional district) are the ones to call in this case, but the SPCA airs the program.

Lixx · 08-08-2005, 10:38 AM

People used to do that all the time when they came to the garden center I used to work at. Drove me insane. They always used the 5 min rule. BUt ona busy warm day, with cash out lines, you were never in there for just 5 mins. We always paged them and told them to bring the dog out. The sad thing is we were dog friendly! So they could have easily brought the dog in. And if you are going someone not friendly to dogs, them leave them at home! NEVER leave a dog (pet, child) in a car unattended for ANY length of time. You are always gome longer then you think.

Ninja · 08-09-2005, 02:02 AM

When I worked for the police as a summer student, any time we saw dogs in the heat in the car we would wait 10 mins, if no owners we called a tow truck and would call them to open the door so we could get the windows open then charge the owners with the opening fee.
Im glad you got them to get a good warning not to do that again.

suzoo · 08-09-2005, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninja

When I worked for the police as a summer student, any time we saw dogs in the heat in the car we would wait 10 mins, if no owners we called a tow truck and would call them to open the door so we could get the windows open then charge the owners with the opening fee.

Here the police or our Humane Society agents wouldn't wait for a towing company, they'd smash the window. And so they should! Our shelter receives approx 50 'dogs in cars' calls each day during the summer. Just this week the newpaper (yet again) did an article titled 'Enough is enough!' .. How many dogs have to die each year for people to understand that dogs do not sweat like humans.. If we cannot handle the heat, dogs definately can't!
You did the right thing!

SIChins · 08-09-2005, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzoo

Here the police or our Humane Society agents wouldn't wait for a towing company, they'd smash the window. And so they should!

That is what this officer was doing, he didn't have to smash the window, because there was a small crack open in the front, he was opening it by using a wire to reach the power locks. Like he said, the CRD is 40 mins. away, they would not make it in time, his concern was to get the dog out, and just make sure they came to get the dog to get him checked over.

Debbie · 08-09-2005, 12:13 PM

Amazing isn't it. This day in age, I wonder if they would think to try what you did, and sit in thier rig for an hour with little venting.
Maybe that should be part of the punishment, and the hefty fine.
CSI watchers see the baby left in the car.They just think no I wouldn't do it to my baby.DUH
Like an animal feels any less.
Good for you Laurie, hats off girl!