Thirsty, Distressed Dog Found Inside Hot Car at Winnipeg Grocery Store: Police
A Winnipeg man has been issued several offence notices after police say he left his dog unattended inside a hot vehicle while shopping on Wednesday.
According to the Winnipeg Police Service, the large German Shepherd was left alone in a parked car at a grocery store on Osborne Street.
Temperatures had climbed above 30 C, with the humidex making it feel like 43 C, creating dangerous conditions inside the vehicle.
Bystanders Tried to Help the Dog
Police said concerned members of the public noticed the dog was thirsty and in distress. They passed cold water through a slightly opened window to help keep the animal hydrated.
Authorities said the 67-year-old owner briefly returned to the vehicle, confronted the bystanders, and then went back into the store to continue shopping. While he remained inside, the bystanders continued providing water to the dog.
Driver Allegedly Hit Bystander Before Leaving
After completing his shopping, the man allegedly became belligerent with those who had been helping the dog.
Police say he struck one bystander with his vehicle, backed into a parked pickup truck, and then drove away before officers arrived at the parking lot around 1 p.m.
Police Locate Man and Issue Multiple Offence Notices
Officers later found the man at a residence in Winnipeg’s Lord Roberts neighbourhood, where the German Shepherd was tied up in the backyard.
The 67-year-old received several provincial and serious offence notices.
Highway Traffic Act Violations
The traffic-related notices include:
- Careless driving
- Parking where prohibited
- Failing to exchange information after a collision
Animal Care Act Violations
Police also issued notices under the Animal Care Act for:
- Causing suffering, anxiety, or distress to an animal
- Failing to provide an adequate supply of food or water
- Failing to protect the animal from harmful heat or cold
The incident highlights the serious risks pets face when left inside vehicles during extreme heat. Winnipeg police credited concerned bystanders for assisting the distressed dog while reminding pet owners of their responsibility to protect animals from dangerous weather conditions.
