Ottawa

2 dogs left in hot vehicles at Renfrew Walmart on Monday, OPP say

Ontario Provincial Police are reminding people not to leave pets in hot vehicles after two incidents at a Walmart parking lot in Renfrew on Monday as the temperature hovered at 32 C.

OPP issued warning in 1 case, will follow-up with driver in 2nd case

As a heat wave continues in the Ottawa area, Ontario Provincial Police in Renfrew, Ont., are reminding people not to leave pets stranded in hot vehicles after two such incidents at a Walmart parking lot on Monday. This photo does not feature the dogs or owner involved in these cases. (The Associated Press)

Ontario Provincial Police are reminding people not to leave pets in hot vehicles after two incidents at a Walmart parking lot in Renfrew on Monday.

The first call about an animal in distress in a hot vehicle came in at about 4:40 p.m. at the Walmart Renfrew Supercentre on O'Brien Road.

The temperature hovered at 32 C at the time, feeling like 40 with the humidity, according to Environment Canada.

SPCA representatives and OPP officers responded. The owner was found and was given a warning, OPP said in a media release issued Tuesday.

The second call about a dog in distress came in about an hour later, at about 5:50 p.m.

By the time SPCA and OPP arrived, the driver of the vehicle had left. Bystanders gave police the license plate number of the vehicle for follow-up.

"Police remind pet owners to leave their animals at home on hot days, or shop where businesses have outdoor kennels available for use," OPP said.