Cheers &Jeers

JEERS: PETS IN HOT VEHICLES

The Nova Scotia RCMP are once again reminding the public not to leave their pets in vehicles this summer.

It's good that the reminder has gone out.

It's sad that it's still needed.

As the RCMP point out, in the time it takes to run a quick errand the interior of a vehicle can heat up fast - making it intolerable and dangerous for pets.

"Every year, the RCMP in Nova Scotia responds to complaints of animals being left in vehicles during the summer months," says Cpl. Chris Marshall. "When the weather is warm, it's best to leave your four-legged friends' home or visit pet friendly businesses to avoid a potentially tragic outcome."

According to the SPCA, signs that an animal could be in distress include exaggerated panting, rapid or erratic pulse, anxious or staring expression, weakness and muscle tremors, lack of coordination, red or blue tongue and lips, convulsions or vomiting, and collapse or coma.

“Leaving your window cracked or parking in the shade makes little to no difference,” says Jo-Anne Landsburg, Chief Provincial Inspector at the Nova Scotia SPCA. “The only thing that will do is give you a false feeling that your pet is protected. Even on a mild day, it does not provide enough circulation to prevent the interior temperature from quickly becoming dangerous.”

If an animal is alert, standing upright and barking, they are likely not in distress.

However, here are things to do if you come across an animal in a vehicle that appears to be in distress, says the RCMP:

• Look for the owner of the car. Go to nearby stores and have the owner paged.

• If you cannot locate the owner, call your local police and stay at the vehicle until police arrive. Do not contact police unless the animal is obviously distressed.

• If you are unsure if an animal is in distress, call the Nova Scotia SPCA at 1-888703-7722

• Follow up by filing a report with the

Nova Scotia SPCA either online or by phone and ensure that you obtain a licence plate of the vehicle.

And if you're the pet owner, just don't leave your furry friend in your vehicle to start with.

CHEERS: COMMUNITY INPUT

Nova Scotia Health says community input is being sought to improve cancer care for Yarmouth area residents through a survey.

“There is $1 million more in annual cancer care funding to support and enhance access to cancer care for residents living in Yarmouth and surrounding areas,” reads a preamble to the survey.

“This funding will support new positions such as nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and others at Yarmouth Regional Hospital and will mean more cancer patients can receive much of their care close to where they live.”

It's good to see continued public input being sought because it is cancer patients and their families who are directly impacted by what cancer services do, or don't, exist in their communities. To best understand something, you have to experience it. Their insight is invaluable.

People willing to share their input are asking to complete the short survey by May 29.

The survey is available at www.engage4health.ca/western-zone-cancer-care/ survey_tools/yarmouth.