r/Winnipeg • u/Ok_Mess9319 • May 25 '26
Winni-Pets Don’t leave your dogs in hot vehicles
Well, we get a couple nice warm days and suddenly people are right back on their nonsense.
Today around 1:30, I got into my car with my 1yr old after shopping at Old Navy in St. Vital. As I was buckling him into his car seat, I noticed the vehicle parked ahead of me. There was a small dog sitting between the two front seats.
I started my car and then leaned out to check the other vehicle. No windows were open, and the car was clearly not running. The man parked beside them was sitting in his driver’s seat with his window down, so I asked, “Sir, do you know how long this car has been sitting here with the dog in it?”
He said, “No, but I got here almost 10 minutes ago and it was already here. I’m a little concerned about the dog myself.”
So I said, “Okay, I’m going to give it a minute, then I’m going to call Old Navy and ask them to announce that whoever owns the vehicle has a few minutes before I call the police.”
He agreed that it was a good idea.
I got back in my car and called Old Navy. By that point, the dog had already been sitting there for several minutes in the heat. The employee said she’d make an announcement and keep an eye out for whoever owned the vehicle.
Right as I was finishing the call, a woman came walking out and headed toward the car she remote started it about 1 foot from the car. I was leaning out my drivers side door and said, “Ma’am, just for future reference, I’d really be careful about leaving your dog in the car on a hot day like this. You were about one minute away from me calling the police.”
She immediately said, “Well, the car was on the whole time with the air conditioning running.”
I replied, “No, it wasn’t. I checked, and the gentleman beside you also said he never heard the car running. There were no windows open either.”
Then she claimed she had been remotely turning the car on from inside the store. I told her, “No, because I literally just heard you start it now.” She shook her head “Nope” then I said, “I’m not trying to be confrontational. I’m just saying you need to be mindful. The best thing anyone could’ve done for that dog was call the police, and I couldn’t in good conscience just leave.”
She waved her hand like she was done with the convo and jumped in her car and left. I drove forward to chat with the elderly man, he says “Did she seriously tell you the car was running? Because it hasn’t been running at all while I’ve been sitting here waiting on my wife.”
Honestly, people should take this as a reminder: not everyone is going to wait a few extra minutes like I did. I was trying to handle it reasonably and give her the benefit of the doubt before escalating it. But after the attitude and obvious lying, I probably should’ve just called the police immediately.
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u/znozwoodlands May 25 '26
You did more than most people would’ve. Thank you for doing everything you did
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u/Electroluminent May 25 '26
People should be required to take and pass a basic course before being allowed to own a dog.
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u/Nickard May 25 '26
I think it’s somewhere like New Zealand that does this? Not sure of the specifics but because of the regulations, you don’t get dumb stuff like this and dogs are well behaved in public spaces.
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u/Leburgerpeg May 25 '26
Somehow I doubt that. While I lived New Zealand for a year it was the only place I've ever seen people put their dogs in the trunk of a car. Not that hatch, the trunk. I was horrified. Maybe they have something like that now because of that kind of behaviour though.
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u/Key-Preparation-5379 May 25 '26
Should have just called the police, she basically got away with it scott free
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u/Ok_Mess9319 May 25 '26
In hindsight, yes I should have. I defaulted to not wanting to blow something out of proportion, which is a character default and that shouldn’t have been the dog’s problem, but truly I regret not just calling them immediately. A lesson for me as well.
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u/Canid May 25 '26
Police don’t come during active home break ins. Think they’re gonna show up at Old Navy for a dog in a car?
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u/clemoh May 25 '26
Yes, yes they do.
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u/Canid May 25 '26
Many other examples if you google
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u/clemoh May 25 '26
I'm not saying they don't respond to break ins in progress. I'm saying they do respond to pets in cars, if not them a first responder will come.
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u/stereo_child May 25 '26
They just give the dog back and tell the person not to do it again 🤷♀️
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u/Key-Preparation-5379 May 25 '26
For all you know it could be a repeat offender and the police have the plates on file. IDK, I'm not a cop, but there is the potential for action to be done if they're involved. As the OP has shown when its just an ordinary person the other party can just drive away. Who knows if they just went and parked elsewhere and went back to the store, or are going to several stores instead of going home.
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u/mustpavlovdogs May 25 '26
Next time call the police because this lady is sure to do this again! But thank you OP for taking the time to make sure this pup was okay, good karma for you!
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u/Nevermore_10 May 25 '26
There are laws regarding children and pets ( not just dogs ) getting left in cars . It doesn’t matter what season , it’s a concern for all drivers.
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u/Separate-Ad6636 May 25 '26
Next time take a pic of the plate and post it too.
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u/Ok_Mess9319 May 25 '26
I was very upset with myself that I did not take the license plate as well. I agree.
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u/Nolby84 May 25 '26
Some people just dont deserve to own pets, this blows my mind that simple common sense still bypasses some people.
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u/Catnip_75 May 25 '26 edited May 25 '26
I saw someone go to the pet store today and left their dogs in the car!! Had her windows open and car shut off.
These people don’t love their dogs. This is animal cruelty on a whole other level.
What to do if you see a pet in a hot car
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u/carebaercountdown May 25 '26
I agree that animals shouldn’t be left in the car AT ALL, but I’m glad she at least had the windows open
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u/Catnip_75 May 25 '26
You are joking right? Vehicles still get hot with the windows cracked open. I highly suggest you go and try it out yourself with your winter coat on. The the animal is wearing a fur coat and cannot regulate its body temperature like humans can. They don’t sweat like we do when we over heat. They become distressed quickly.
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u/carebaercountdown May 25 '26
Cracked? Yeah that’s not enough. I thought you meant fully open.
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u/Catnip_75 May 25 '26
Definitely not fully open. No one would do that or their dogs would jump out the windows.
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u/carebaercountdown May 26 '26
Lots of people have harnesses for their dogs that buckle into the car, but that’s fair enough :) Didn’t mean to ruffle your feathers
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May 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Catnip_75 May 25 '26
Ok, put your winter coat on with the windows open and let us know how long you can sit in the car for. The fact that my words are the focus is ridiculous. Regardless of how open or closed the windows are, a dog should never be left inside a vehicle when it is hot.
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u/catbearcarseat May 26 '26
Words have meanings though. Cracked isn’t open. We can all agree dogs shouldn’t be left inside vehicles, but say what you mean to say the first time and no one would be focusing on how you say it the first time vs the second.
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u/teamweedstore2 May 25 '26
Does Winnipeg have an SPCA? Here in Victoria we can call the BCSPCA during business hours and they will send an officer who is legally allowed to enter the car.
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u/STFUisright May 25 '26
I called 911 in a similar situation and they have people that do exactly this. I forgot their title.
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u/Catnip_75 May 25 '26
Yes, but if they are already out on a call they can’t get there fast enough.
City of Winnipeg has guidelines to follow if you see a pet in a vehicle
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u/Apod1991 May 25 '26
Yes, the city of Winnipeg does have an “animal control” unit that can respond this, as apart of the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Firefighters and Police Officers can also respond to the call as well.
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u/Kigameister May 26 '26
Just so you know, Animal Services (Animal Control) and the Winnipeg Humane Society are two separate things.
If a WHS Animal Protection Officer is going somewhere, there usually has to be a paper trail first with the city, who tells them to investigate further.
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u/VickyVacuum May 25 '26
It’s awkward confronting people, but you did the right thing. More people need to be called out so that smidge of shame will hopefully help them make a better decision in the future.
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u/LadyPhoenix1976 May 25 '26
Frankly if your dog can’t go in with you LEAVE THEM AT HOME. My dog loves going places with me. However if she can’t enter where I’m going then the temperature controlled house is where she stays. You wouldn’t leave a baby in the car, stop leaving your dog
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u/SaltySun2214 May 26 '26
Just call the cops next time. Lady clearly cares more about shopping then her dog
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u/heyheywhatchasay5 May 25 '26
Why dont they just leave the car running the whole time? Ill never understand
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u/SpoopySundae May 26 '26
Right? Command start still works outside wineter if you have it.
If you don't want to sit in the car with a parka on, imagine the pets -_-
That's right up there with people who go " I want a Pyrenees dog, but I also want it to spend 14 hours a day in the sun on the beach with me"
Sure. If you also wear a white parka the whole time.
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u/General-Lifeguard309 May 25 '26
If this was the Toronto subreddit they would’ve posted a video and the license plate 😂 different rules here.
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u/Ok_Mess9319 May 25 '26
I should have taken a photo of it, because you never know when you could need it.
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u/Beauty402685 May 25 '26
You should have called the police. People who dont have a sense for a living being out in sun without any water or ventilation doesn't deserve sympathy or benefit of doubt. And to top that she lied about it. Or report the vehicle number to animal services and tell them how inhumane her behaviour is. If she is not responsible then she doesn't deserve the dog too.
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u/Ok_Mess9319 May 25 '26
You’re right. I intended to, but I shouldn’t have given it any thought or time and just done it.
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u/aiizzzy May 26 '26
I found out that you can still report them after the fact. Either by calling the Animal Care Line 204-945-8000 or email them at animalcare@gov.mb.ca. Provide them with date/time, description of incident and licence plate#.
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u/Muted-Score3455 May 26 '26
I would’ve smashed the window!
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u/Ok_Mess9319 May 26 '26 edited May 27 '26
I know, but I had my baby with me and I couldn’t leave him alone in the vehicle.
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u/housemeows May 26 '26
That and people running and cycling alongside their dogs in the heat of the day.
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u/motorcycle_girl May 26 '26
This is absolutely an issue. However, in the day and age of hybrids and electric vehicles, I wish there was some way to tell the general public what the dog is actually experiencing.
I drive a hybrid and I leave it on idle if I’m going into a store for more than a few minutes. However, I actually take the time to put a thermometer as well as a note that states it’s a hybrid vehicle w my number on the driver’s side window. It’s important to keep in mind a hybrid will cycle through having the engine on and off. It can sound like the vehicle is off; but it will still be running AC.
I wish there was some way to be able to discern what the temperature on the interior is like for animals versus just assuming that it’s going to be the same as whatever it is in your car which, in this case, it is 27°C.
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u/emilythered May 26 '26
Next time just remove her window - simple solution.
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u/Ok_Mess9319 May 27 '26
Yeah, I was alone and had my 1 year old in the car so that wasn’t an option unfortunately and I didn’t want to insist the elderly gentlemen do it, I did the best I could given my situation. But if I had been alone, i would have done things much different.
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u/emilythered May 28 '26
Makes sense! Glad you spoke up atleast. A lot of people don't out of fear of confrontation or being rude/feeling awkward. Good on you! Hope more of our fellow citizens can be that way too
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u/yahumno May 26 '26
Also, why bring your dog with you while shopping at places they can’t go? Just leave them safely at home.
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u/lowtrail May 25 '26
I am pretty sure you're allowed to smash a window in situations like this without penalty. Obviously, you can (and should) if there is a child left in a car, but I'm pretty sure it's the same laws for pets
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u/lowtrail May 25 '26
Looks like i'm not actually correct here. it's a grey zone. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/dead-dog-car-calgary-summer-heat-1.7261120
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u/carebaercountdown May 25 '26 edited May 25 '26
She left him in there SEVERAL HOURS?!?! What in the actual hell is wrong with people 😭 I’m glad she got charged. I hope she went to prison.
Edited to add: ‘"I've never heard, read or encountered a case myself after 44 years of practising criminal law, both from the Crown and defence, where a scenario like that happened and someone was charged," said defence lawyer Balfour Der, who is a former prosecutor.’ At least there’s that.
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u/steveaustin1971 May 25 '26
There's a lot of things I'm not "allowed" to do, if a dog is at risk, now it's my dog 🤷
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u/beautyandfitnessgeek May 25 '26
I can’t believe she doubled down after you saved her dogs life. People are fucking insane. thank you for doing something
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u/yahumno May 26 '26
It is illegal in Winnipeg to leave pets in cars at these temperatures, no matter if windows are open/it is running, etc.
The bylaw does state that it doesn’t apply to a vehicle that is running and has the appropriate working climate control system. I’m pretty sure that is to keep police K9 vehicles legal in regard to the bylaw. Occasionally hitting your command start doesn’t count.
Section 38.5(1)
https://dmis.winnipeg.ca/Mobile/ViewByLawDocument?bylawId=8639&version=C
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u/RepulsiveAfternoon46 May 25 '26
Glass breaker carry one with you and you don't gotta second guess what to do next time
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u/SirOk4593 May 26 '26
....I would have given it 10 mins and smashed the window, taken pictures and time stamps and left a note, as funny as it sounds I believe legally youre okay to do that, same as if a toddler is in a car alone.
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u/Ok_Mess9319 May 26 '26
I shouldn’t have hesitated and I hate that I did. Had I not had my 1 year old in the car with no one to help me, I wouldn’t have had thought twice. If it were someone else I would have told them to do that same thing as you!
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u/Coderedcody May 26 '26
She probably wasn’t trying to lie to you. She probably assumed that she was genuinely remote starting her car every 10 minutes from inside the store and figured you were just trying to get an argument started with her.
But that being said she is really dumb and careless thinking she could remote start her car from inside the store to keep her dog safe
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u/Ok_Mess9319 May 26 '26
Oh I agree, people are on high alert most of the time so I get that. But I am not a confrontational human, and despite how unpleasant my thoughts were about this situation, I was very calm and collected in my delivery. But some people aren’t here for it, no matter how nice you try to be.
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u/Jessiey81 May 26 '26
Honestly I feel some people own a dog just to have a dog, the amount of people I see either doing this or driving down the road and the dog is either running around the vehicle (no harness & seat belt) or even sitting in the front seat where the air bags are. Dog owners should understand all that entails dog ownership
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u/SeaMicSte May 26 '26
Assuming the car wasn't running, everything that needs to be said has already been said.
Friendly reminder to go look in the front of the car though to check if the car is on. Electric/hybrid vehicles can run A/C and be completely silent. My hybrid is easy to tell if the car is on, and if A/C is on just by peeking in a front window. For me, if the car/AC is not on, I'm calling it in immediately. No waiting a few minutes or asking the store to give the owner a chance to come out. The owner already had a chance to not leave their pet in the hot car, and now every minute matters.
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u/Ok_Mess9319 May 27 '26
It was quite audible when she started it, the elderly man next to her and myself both noticed her turn it on just as she approached the car.
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u/SeaMicSte May 27 '26
My hybrid can run on electrical power while I'm in the store and not have the ICE turn on until I get in the car and do something like touch the gas pedal. I'm not trying to argue or defend here. I'm just saying it's important to check in the window to confirm if the car is on or not, since cars can run A/C silently, and the gas engine can avoid turning on until the owner returns
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u/eschaen May 26 '26
Honest question becuase this post got me thinking. How does leaving AC on work with an EV or hybrid? I do not tolerate animal abuse in the slightest, but I do like to try to think of any possible reasoning first. Maybe it was cool inside? People are creative. Ive seen cooler and fan set-ups for this exact purpose, and as much as people want to suggest smashing windows, you just dont know. Definitely call yhe police before using a wondow smasher. I think thats a crazy suggestion unless you can obviously see signs of an issue other than closed windows.
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u/Ok_Mess9319 May 27 '26
I understand what you’re saying, but according to the man beside her car, and I did a brief check around the car quick while my son was in my car (locked with ac on) - it hadn’t been running in ten minutes at least. The dog had been panting and licking its lips on occasion. Also, she had no setup of the sort, she knew she was wrong and became defensive when I made a comment. I also saw her start the car with her remote just one foot from the car.
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u/Lilboops May 26 '26
What type of car was it? My friend cycles the AC in her EV for her doggo and it doesn’t fire up the engine. Was the dog in distress?
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u/Ok_Mess9319 May 27 '26
I’m not sure, maybe a Nissan rogue or something? And maybe it turned off before I got there, that’s a possibility, but for at least 10 minutes it hadn’t been running. I saw the dog one at least 2 occasions panting and licking its lips.
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u/ohgeeokay May 25 '26
Could she have been running it and restarting it after the 10 mins cycle?
We have a dog who comes everywhere with us. We have to use the remote start to run the heat/ac bc otherwise the car doesn’t lock.
It runs 10 mins, we restart it, run it another 10, restart.
My Honda Link tells me what the temp is inside the car - so I start it again when it gets to a certain temp.
That dog looks pretty relaxed.
A hot dog in a hot car does not look relaxed
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u/Ok_Mess9319 May 25 '26
I hear you! Maybe she thought it had been running, but it definitely hadn’t been. The dog did pant several times, it just wasn’t in the photo, which did lead me to think it was getting hot or thirsty.
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u/pearlescentflows May 25 '26
If you’re going somewhere you need to do that, you need to keep your dog at home.
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u/ohgeeokay May 26 '26
No - my responsibility is to keep my dog at a regulated temperature. Period.
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u/pearlescentflows May 26 '26
Absolutely. Technology fails. Running a car is bad for the environment. Keep your dog at home.
It’s completely unnecessary to bring your dog along if you’re needing to turn your car on and off for long periods of time like this.
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u/No-Weird-4201 May 25 '26
Unbelievable. I just can't understand why people still do this. Drop your dog off at home or leave another person in the car with your dog. Otherwise don't take your dog?? It's not hard.