If a pet is left inside of a hot vehicle, the Carling Fire Department now has the authority to intervene.
At a special meeting on June 25, Carling council approved a bylaw giving local firefighters the authority to take action if called to rescue an animal in distress.
Carling Fire Chief Gord Harrison says he doesn’t expect a lot of calls, but wanted to be in a position to act, if needed.
“We are actually not anticipating many calls,” he said. “One of the nice things over the last few years is people have become much more aware of the effect of heat on animals, so you’re not seeing animals being left in vehicles. A lot of stores now allow pets so they don’t have to remain in vehicles. However, if we need to act, we need the authority to do it.”
Harrison also says firefighters are going to make sure a rescue is absolutely needed before taking any action and potentially damaging a vehicle.
