Summertime in Ontario means high temperatures, humidity and smog, particularly in Toronto,
Durham Region and surrounding areas. This time of year also seems to be when more families are traveling, embarking on road trips and outings, usually bringing their furry family members along. And when it’s time to go somewhere where their pets aren’t allowed, they’re sometimes left to wait in the vehicle.

The problem with this is some people think it’s okay to leave their pets in the car for a short time while they shop or visit. And what they may not realize is that a vehicle, even with the windows cracked, heats up quickly becoming uncomfortable for pets, sometimes leading to serious health issues and if left long enough, possible death. Some people may feel bad leaving their pets behind at home but sometimes, it’s best to be left at home in the comfort of air conditioning on those hot summer days. But this doesn’t end with pets. Durham Regional Police recently laid charges on a 36-year-old woman after she left her 11-day-old daughter in the backseat of her vehicle while shopping with her two other children in Port Perry. The baby was found by citizens, covered under a blanket, crying.

To leave a child or pet in extreme heat conditions locked up in a car is one thing, but just to leave a young infant in a vehicle alone without any parental supervision is completely different ballpark. Rule of thumb is to never leave a child, let alone an infant, unattended for any length of time. This is something everyone should be aware of and, in this instance, this woman brought her other children with her, therefore there should be no excuse not to bring her newborn baby, no matter what the reason. It shouldn’t matter for how long or how hot or even cold it is, no one should be left in a car in this weather.

I would like to propose a test for those people brave enough to try it. The next time temperatures are above 30 degrees, put on your winter coat and sit in your vehicle, window cracked if you feel you need to. Wait and see how long you can last before it becomes unbearable. Imagine how you feel and then imagine how your helpless child must feel not being able to open a door or window for fresh air or how your furry pet must feel when they’re locked in a vehicle. If you won’t do it to yourself, don’t do it to them.