Dogs left in hot cars prompt warning from Calgary police

Calgary firefightersand police officers are sounding the alarm about pets being left in hot cars after responding to a flurry of calls Wednesday.

By noon,as temperatures reached 21 C,they had already received more than six calls from passersby concerned about the well being of animals locked in vehicles.

"When fire crews arrived at the various animal rescue incidents today, some of the dogs showed visible signs of distress," the city said in a release.

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There were also two calls for children accidentally locked in vehicles, but firefighters were able to get them out and they appeared in good health.

The city warns against leaving animals in cars,even if it doesn't feel hot outside at the time.

"Temperatures can rise to dangerous levels in as little as 10minutes and having partially open windows does not effectively lower the vehicle's interior temperature," the city said.

Organ failure, shock and death can result.

People who witness children in hot cars are asked to call 911 immediately and take action to remove them if they appear in distress.