A Victoria woman has been charged with animal cruelty after leaving her dog to perish in a hot car last July.

Stephanie Skinner has been charged with one count under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. On July 23, 2018 Skinner left her Boston Terrier, Ava, in a car for seven hours with all of the windows in the vehicle closed. Temperatures in the area reached 30.0 Celsius that day. When Skinner returned to her vehicle the dog had died.

“This is such a tragic and preventable case,” said Eileen Drever, senior office, protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA. “Every year, the BC SPCA and other animal welfare groups warn people about the dangers of leaving their pets in hot cars. Even 10 minutes in a hot, unventilated car can be fatal for an animal – an animal left for seven hours in those temperatures would not have stood a chance.”

Skinner makes her first appearance on March 28 at the Western Communities Courthouse. If convicted, she faces a maximum fine of $75,000, up to two years in jail, and up to a lifetime ban on owning animals.

If you see an animal in distress call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline 1-855-622-7722.