Edmonton Fire receive more calls about pets left in hot vehicles

Edmonton firefighters say six more pets were left unattended in vehicles Monday as the city deals with an extended period of extreme heat.

The Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) say they have now responded to 65 events involving people or pets locked in vehicles – surpassing the total (63) for July 2023.

“With extreme heat returning this week, we urge Edmontonians to reconsider travel plans if there is a possibility that a child or pet may be left alone in a vehicle, even for a moment,” EFRS wrote on X Monday.

Last week, police arrested and charged a person for allegedly leaving their dog unattended in a vehicle at the West Edmonton Mall with outside temperature at 36 degrees Celsius. Animal Control Peace Officers had to break the window to rescue the dog.

In June, charges were pending against a woman who allegedly left a child in the car at a grocery store near 185 Street and Stony Plain Road.

According to the Canada Safety Council, on a warm day, even vehicles parked in the shade with windows down can reach 49 C in minutes.