Latest news with #OntarioSPCA
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Toronto Sun
Campaign warns motorists that leaving pets in hot car a fatal mistake
This is an illustration -- not a real image -- depicting a dog in hot car. (Getty Images) 'I was only gone for a few minutes!' This common excuse for leaving a pet alone in a hot car can have dire consequences in the scorching heat. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society branches are reminding pet owners there's no 'safe' amount of time to leave a pet alone inside a hot vehicle, especially during a heat wave like the one in the GTA this week. To help spread the word, the animal welfare agencies have launched the 'No Hot Pets' campaign, which allows pet owners to take a pledge to keep their furry friends safe. Blair Budgell, events coordinator for the Humane Society of Durham Region, explained the rationale for the campaign: 'We're seeing record high numbers this summer with lots of heat warnings, and sometimes people aren't remembering to keep their pets out of the cars. 'This is an issue that we have spoken about over many years but this year we're really pushing for our community to help the Ontario SPCA spread this message.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In addition to spreading the word among pet owners, the SPCA's campaign also encourages businesses to make their locations pet-friendly destinations, so humans can bring their animals inside during a stop. 'So, Canadian Tire, for example,' Budgell said. 'You're allowed to bring your pets into Canadian Tire — on a leash, of course. So we're trying to foster that throughout more stores in Ontario … and trying to help them promote themselves as being a pet safe place.' Pet-friendly businesses can find printable signage on the website to promote their locations. The best way to keep animals safe, Budgell added, is to keep them at home unless necessary. 'Leaving them at home is really your best call. Hopefully, all of our animal parents have set up a nice safe sanctuary in their home, so then leaving them there would be the best. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Of course, we understand that there are some circumstances where animals can't be left at home. So, we're just hoping that people will make arrangements for those animals to be safe.' If you're heading on vacation with your pet, Budgell recommended being prepared before setting out to minimize stops. 'We like to say that there is no safe amount of time (to leave a pet in the car.) Even if you have the windows open or if you've parked under a nice shady tree, those cars heat up very, very quickly, especially depending on what colour of car you have.' Recommended video Keeping fresh water on hand for your pet is always a good idea, and drivers can use services like grocery pick-up where a store employee delivers items to your vehicle. Some other tips Budgell suggested include: 'If you know you're going into the car, maybe go outside and turn on your car for a few minutes, like you would in the winter to heat up, to cool it down.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Speaking with a vet can also be helpful, as each individual pet's needs will differ. 'You can contact your vet and say, 'Hey, here's the problem. Here's what I'm going to be doing. What's the best way for me to support my animal?'' Found a hot pet? If a pet is located alone inside a vehicle, Budgell recommended calling the proper authorities. 'If it's not an emergency situation, if the animal's not in immediate danger, then we suggest you call the provincial animal welfare services, which is 1-833-9-ANIMAL. They're going to give you the guidance that you're going to need just because every single situation is slightly different. 'If they are in immediate danger, then reaching out to 911 is going to be your best bet.' Keep cool Pet owners who take the 'No Hot Pets' pledge on are also eligible to win a prize pack to help their pets beat the heat this summer. 'There's some cool stuff in that prize bag,' Budgell said. 'There's some enrichment toys, a bowl, a water bottle, one of those towels that cool down your dogs, as well, and then a Yeti cooler.' More details can be found on the site. lnelles@ Twitter: @shantoranelles Sports Columnists Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA
CTV News
14-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Wildfire smoke can harm your furry friends: Here's how to protect them
A dog is pictured at a park with a ball in Barrie, Ont. Just like humans, the haze drifting into Simcoe County from wildfires to the north can impact our furry friends. Animals can suffer from health problems when exposed to smoke and poor air quality, the same way we can. Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement on Monday, advising smoke from forest fires over northern Ontario had moved into the area, causing the air quality to deteriorate. Related | Wildfire smoke fills skies triggering warnings to limit outdoor time The Ontario SPCA is urging pet owners to take precautions to protect their furry friends from the harmful effects of smoke. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that experts say can irritate the respiratory systems of animals. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, runny noses, eye irritation and general fatigue. The humane society says it's best to limit outdoor time as much as possible while the air quality is poor. 'While bathroom breaks are necessary, avoid long walks or extended playtime outside,' the Ontario SPCA stated. According to experts, certain breeds are more vulnerable, including flat-faced breeds, like pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats. 'Puppies, kittens, senior animals, and pets with pre-existing medical conditions are also at increased risk,' the Ontario SPCA added. Environment Canada expects the poor air quality to persist throughout the day on Monday and possibly into Tuesday for some areas. Residents are encouraged to take the same precautions for animals as they would for themselves. Anyone with concerns is encouraged to check with their local veterinary clinic.
CTV News
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
No excuses, no hot pets: Ontario SPCA urges pet owners to keep their furry friends at home
A dog is pictured in a vehicle on a hot day with the window down. It's officially summer, and with it comes a reminder from the Ontario SPCA to protect your pets by not leaving them unattended in a hot car. Experts say a parked car can reach deadly temperatures in a matter of minutes, and dogs have a limited ability to sweat, so even a short time in a hot environment can be dangerous. 'Even if you crack the windows or park in the shade, it can be life-threatening for your pet. If you can't bring them with you when you get to your destination, leave them at home where they're safe,' stated Shannon Laflamme, community outreach coordinator, Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre. A brief but potent heat wave is on the way for the region, with daytime highs reaching low to mid 30s starting Saturday and carrying through Tuesday, with the humidex making it feel even warmer. The Ontario SPCA is kicking off its No Hot Pets campaign for another year to encourage pet owners to leave their furry friends at home rather than putting them at risk during the summer months. Symptoms of heat stroke in a canine can include excessive panting, drooling, listlessness, or unconsciousness. The campaign asks pet owners to Take the Pledge to keep animals safe. 'If you see an animal in distress this summer, get help. Call the government's Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL, or your local police. If it's a life-threatening emergency, call 911,' the OSPCA stated.
CBC
20-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Thunder Bay humane society, Ontario SPCA merge to enhance support for animals and their owners
Social Sharing The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society (TBDHS) is teaming up with the Ontario SPCA and humane society to enhance support for animals and the people who care for them. TBDHS director Shawna Beaulieu said the "exciting changes" being made are "all about strengthening and growing animal welfare programs and community services that we already offer." Beaulieu said the merger will result in more resources in the north, improved food distribution, more access to veterinary care for animals, humane education programs for children, and opening up more opportunities for animals to get adopted through transferring to different centres. "It's important … because of the lack of resources that we have here in the north. This is just going to give us that access so that way, we can expand on what we're doing," Beaulieu said. WATCH | Changes coming to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society Changes coming to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society 3 hours ago Duration 1:47 The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society is merging with the Ontario SPCA. The CBC's Sarah Law visited Shawna Beaulieu, the humane society's executive director, to learn more about what this means for animal services in northern Ontario — and for canine companions like Boots, who is up for adoption. "With the growing need, the shortage in veterinary care we have here, the increase in surrender requests, that's why it's really important to start ramping up what we're doing, and these kinds of collaborations is really what it's all about." TBDHS will continue to operate from its current location on Rosslyn Road with the same staff and volunteers, and there's no change to its name, Beaulieu said. The Ontario SPCA board will govern both organizations until the merger is finalized in January 2026. "What you can expect is more programs, more services, and possibly some more animals in our care," Beaulieu said. 'Greater impact on pets and people' The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society says it is pleased to work with the local humane society to offer support to leverage and continue expanding their programs and community support services. Sonya Reichel, vice-president of shelter operations at the OSPCA, said the two organizations have worked together for many years, with the relationship strengthening over the last year. "This merger will mean that we'll continue to be able to work collaboratively together and really enhance the services that are being offered across northern Ontario and and of course in Thunder Bay itself," Reichel told CBC News. "When we collaborate, when we pool resources, we will make a greater impact on pets and people in the community. So, as we work through this, we'll be looking at opportunities to expand some of the resources we provide to the communities in which we have animal centres currently into this community." The merger will see two TBDHS board directors — Ryan Venn and Derek Noyes — serving on the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society board of directors.
CBC
20-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Changes coming to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society
The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society is merging with the Ontario SPCA. The CBC's Sarah Law visited Shawna Beaulieu, the humane society's executive director, to learn more about what this means for animal services in northern Ontario — and for canine companions like Boots, who is up for adoption.
