RCMP reminding pet owners of requirement to ensure animals in vehicles have proper ventilation

The RCMP is reminding pet owners of the importance and legal requirement to ensure that animals confined in parked vehicles have adequate ventilation.

Under the Animal Health and Protection Act, animals held in an enclosed or confined space, such as a vehicle, must have adequate ventilation. In a vehicle, windows are required to be rolled down to allow for adequate air flow or, if for a short period of time, windows could be left up, provided air conditioning is activated inside the vehicle.

Pet owners who anticipate parking their vehicles for extended periods are encouraged to leave their animals at home when possible.

If you see an animal that has been left inside a vehicle on a warm day without adequate ventilation, please contact your local police and provide information about the current location of the vehicle and its license plate, if possible.