WITH the hot weather upon us, North Vancouver RCMP are advising motorists that the interiors of cars can quickly heat up making it intolerable for pets. An animal can be overwhelmed by heat in as little as 10 minutes. The temperature in a parked car, even in the shade with partly open windows, can rapidly reach a level high enough to seriously harm or even kill your pet.

In the past several weeks there have been a number of calls for police assistance where dogs have been found in vehicles and appeared to be in distress. All calls were resolved satisfactorily with no serious injury coming to any of the animals involved.

If you find an animal in a vehicle that appears to be in distress follow these steps:

* attempt to provide shade or water for the animal

* look for the owner of the car, go to nearby stores or if possible have the owner paged

* call your local BC SPCA or the local police department

* stay at the car until the police officer arrives

“Police expect people to take reasonable measures and to use common sense in these situations. We do not advocate you attempting to enter the vehicle. Wait for a police officer to arrive and they will assist you,” said Cpl. Richard De Jong. “In North Vancouver there are enforcement bylaws that may be issued when warranted.”