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Dogs left in hot car at Front Street Plaza sparks altercation

Police say there was a verbal and physical altercation after the dogs' owner returned and discovered the dogs had been removed from the vehicle

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Orillia Detachment is investigating an altercation which ensued after dogs were left in a parked vehicle in the City of Orillia.  

On Aug. 12, 2020 shortly before 6 p.m., a couple were at a Front Street Plaza business when they saw two dogs in a vehicle. The concerned citizens approached the vehicle, waited a period of time then removed the dogs from the vehicle and put them into an air conditioned vehicle.  

Once the owner of the dogs returned and discovered their pets had been removed from the vehicle, a verbal and physical altercation ensued. The owners of the dogs left the area and police attended to investigate the incident.  

If anyone witnessed this incident or has any information regarding the circumstances surrounding this incident they are encouraged to contact the Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122.  

Leaving a dog in a car is a contentious issue wherever you go. People are aware of the dangers of leaving a living being in a hot vehicle where the windows are not open or the vehicle air conditioning is not on to cool the animal. The animal could pass away simply by not taking measures to ensure its safety.  

Owners of animals left in vehicles without proper ventilation could face municipal bylaw enforcement which, in Orillia, carries a fine of $490. In the extreme case where an animal dies or is in dire need of medical attention owners could face animal cruelty charges.  

Simply leaving an animal in the vehicle does not constitute an infraction under the bylaw or Criminal Code. Every situation is different and there are many factors to consider such as: temperature, time of day, condition of animal, length of time animal left in vehicle and other considerations depending on the situation at hand.  

If you are concerned, a call to your local bylaw enforcement or local police should be made. Make notes of the time of day, vehicle and any other factors you feel are relevant when reporting it. Taking matters into your own hands could result in making a difficult situation worse.  

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety. If you have any information about crime in our community please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or report minor occurrences online by visiting www.opp.ca/reporting

You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2000.

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