Dogs in hot cars daily battle for humane society

The P.E.I. Humane Society says it's responding to several calls a day where people believe an animal is at risk in a hot vehicle.

"Typically, on a hot day like today, and many other days this summer, we've received calls all the way from 10 o'clock in the morning until 6:30 at night for dogs locked in vehicles," animal protection officer Donna Marie told CBC News.

Marie responds to calls from the public about animals that may be in distress after being left alone in a hot vehicle, and she is taking a new tool along with her: a special thermometer that indicates if it is too hot for dogs. Marie said many people she talks to are skeptical about there being a problem.

"Whenever someone doesn't necessarily believe it's that hot, or think their animal might be OK, we show them this," she said.

"Sometimes they realize then. They go, 'Oh my goodness, I didn't realize it was this hot.'"

The humane society is selling the thermometers for people to use in their own cars.

"It actually will show you, as you look at the thermometer, when it's comfortable for your pet or when you're actually getting into a risk zone," said marketing and development manager Leanne Cail.

The humane society says it has sold dozens of the thermometers

Police have, on occasion, opened locked vehicles at the request of the humane society. Policehave not laid any charges or seized any animals so far this summer on P.E.I.