Nadia Hedman
To the editor:
Thank you once more for the space in your newspaper for me to speak up—again—regarding the safety of pets in vehicles.
Back on March 1, it finally became law for animals to be cared for properly, not only in transporting them but in every other aspect of owning a pet.
Now that summer has seemingly come, I wish to make people more aware of the dangers of leaving their pets in closed vehicles while they make a “quick” shop or stop for a cup of coffee.
Did you know that the temperature in a closed vehicle can heat up to 200 degrees F in a matter of a few minutes, depending on the temperature outside, the type of vehicle, and how “quick” your shop was?
Even if the sun isn’t really hot that day, cracking a window or two does not help—it doesn’t prevent the heat from building up to cause heat stroke and death . . . and it is illegal.
Go to “The Danger of Leaving Pets in Parked Cars on Warm Days” on Google and read the comments.
Leaving your pet in the open truck box, unsheltered from the sun, on the metal of the box and without water, also is a concern. In either case, they are suffering!
Or think. Just use common sense and leave the pooch at home in the shade, with plenty of water, tethered safely in his own space or in the house.
If you must do distant travelling with your pet, you also can find travel tips on Google at the same site I mentioned earlier.
However, when in town, trust me, your pet will be happier and more comfortable when left at home than if it had gone for the ride in either the back of a truck or left inside a closed vehicle.
Sincerely,
Nadia Hedman
Fort Frances, Ont.
