Breaking into vehicles to free dogs from hot cars could lead to charges, despite what Facebook says | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
Subscribe

Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter?

Current Conditions Mostly Cloudy  1.7°C

Kamloops News

Breaking into vehicles to free dogs from hot cars could lead to charges, despite what Facebook says

Image Credit: FILE PHOTO

KAMLOOPS - The City of Kamloops has a warning for people who listen to Facebook advice instead of local law enforcement.

In a release, the city says there is "false information" making its rounds on social media, suggesting if people photograph a dog in a hot vehicle along with the current temperature, they're protected legally if they smash a window to remove the dog.

"The City of Kamloops would like to clarify that this information is not accurate and should be avoided as it could result in a person being liable for damages incurred to a vehicle, and/or for unlawful entry into the vehicle," the release says.

The city says the only agencies that can enter a vehicle without a warrant to retrieve an animal are the BC SPCA, police or bylaw officers. These authorities will only do that when an animal is in critical distress.

"Entering a vehicle without the owner’s permission is therefore an extraordinary measure that should only be actioned by local authorities when it is deemed absolutely necessary through a proper assessment of the situation and the condition of the animal," the release says.

The city advises residents to notify local authorities with the vehicle information and location when a dog is seen in a hot vehicle.

The best option of all, the city says, is for animal owners to be considerate of their pets and leave them at home in warm weather.

Public complaints about dogs in vehicles that may be in distress can be directed to Bylaw Enforcement at 250-828-3409 or the Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Ashley Legassic or call 250-319-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2016
iNFOnews

  • Popular kamloops News
View Site in: Desktop | Mobile