The Winnipeg Humane Society is warning that breaking animals out of hot cars may not be helpful in the long run.

The WHS has received an increased number of calls from concerned citizens about pets being left in cars. There have been at least two incidents within the past week of people attempting to break into cars with a pet left inside.

In order for negligent pet owners to be fined, the law must be followed. This means unless the animal is unresponsive, breaking into a car to rescue an animal may lead to it being in the same situation again.

The WHS must follow the Animal Care Act of Manitoba and it must have concrete evidence that the animal was neglected inside a hot car. If a pet is removed from a hot car, there is no proof the animal was in distress, meaning there is no proof to be used in court against the owner.

If an animal is unresponsive, the WHS says that’s when you should act as fast as possible to remove it from the car.

If you find an animal in a car, call the WHS emergency line at 204-982-2020, the non-emergency police line at 204-986-6222 or CAA at 204-262-6111.