York police respond to 4 calls about dogs left in hot cars

Yorkregion.com
July 28, 2015
By Jeremy Grimaldi

York Regional Police have responded to four calls about dogs being left in cars in the baking sun.

After considerable public information efforts over the past three years, since a dog was discovered dead at Vaughan Mills, police say they are disappointed by the numbers.

"It's just not a good idea," said Const. Andy Pattenden, who noted the temperature soared Monday to 34 degrees Celsius. "It's very concerning."

The calls to police from fellow shoppers began just after noon after a dog was left in a car at Markville Mall and then again at the Vaughan Walmart, on Hwy. 27.

Police said those two were followed up by a call at the Weston Road and Hwy. 7 Best Buy in Vaughan and again about a dog at the No Frills on Black River Road in Sutton.

Two of the cars were gone by the time police arrived and two drivers were spoken to about their behaviour, but no charges have been laid.

Vaughan Mills has been sending staff out to warn drivers about what can occur when you leave dogs in hot cars since chocolate lab Tucker was left in his owner's car in 2012.

The dog overheated and died.