Winkler Police are reminding residents to avoid leaving pets trapped in hot vehicles.

"Nobody wants to see a pet abused or harmed because their owner was not aware of the situation," Police Chief Rick Hiebert says. "If you assess the situation as something that's concerning, please give us a call."

Police recently responded to a call of a dog locked inside a hot vehicle parked on the Southland Mall parking lot. The caller said the dog appeared to be in distress.

Police attended and soon after the driver of the vehicle emerged from one of the stores.

The driver explained she was only in the store for five to 10 minutes. Police informed the driver that a small dog covered in fur can begin to show signs of medical distress after approximately five minutes.

However, police were satisfied in this instance that the dog was not in distress and that no offence had occurred.

Residents are reminded that pets are susceptible to heat, and should never be left alone in a vehicle in warm weather.

If you see an animal left in a vehicle on a warm day, Manitoba's Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer recommends you contact the Animal Care Line at 204-945-8000 or 1-888-945-8001 (toll-free) or a local police detachment.