Manitoba politician urges crackdown on people who leave pets in vehicles

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government may soon crack down on people who leave their pets in vehicles during extremely hot or cold weather.

A Progressive Conservative backbench MP, Obby Khan, has introduced a private member’s bill that would prohibit people from leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle when the outside temperature is above 22C or below -10°C.

There is an exception if the vehicle is left running and the air conditioning is on.

The proposal is similar to recent changes to Winnipeg’s Pet Ownership Bylaw, but would extend the measure across the province.

Private member’s bills don’t often pass, but Khan’s bill has so far received unanimous support from all parties and will go through public hearings before a final vote.

The bill was debated in rare circumstances, as several dog owners were allowed to bring their pets into the public gallery overlooking the legislative chamber.

« You can hear the dogs barking outside now, » Khan told the chamber before the animals entered the gallery.

« They are thrilled with this bill. »

Manitoba’s Animal Protection Act already requires pet owners to provide protection from “harmful heat or cold”.

Khan’s bill would provide specific temperature limits for pets left in vehicles. It would also allow a wider range of law enforcement officers, including conservation officers, to enforce the law and break into a vehicle to save an animal if necessary.

« Outside of Winnipeg, there are only a handful of animal protection officers who work through the (chief vet), » Khan said.

« With more officers able to enforce this (and) faster response times, we have animal safety and welfare in mind. »

Pet owners who violate the proposed law would be subject to fines that would be determined by a judge or justice of the peace.

The Winnipeg Humane Society, which responds to hundreds of calls each year about animals left in hot or cold temperatures, welcomed the bill.

« This is a very big win for animals, » said Jessica Miller, the company’s chief executive.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on November 29, 2022.

Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press