Three people are facing charges for allegedly leaving two dogs inside of a locked vehicle in Grand Bend on Father's Day, when temperatures reached the low 30s.
Lambton OPP said officers were directed to a vehicle in a parking lot in the Huron Street area on June 16, just after 6 p.m.
"Officers were informed that the dogs had been in the vehicle for a period of time and appeared to be in some distress," police said in a media release.
The dogs were taken out of the vehicle and cared for by officers at the Lambton OPP Grand Bend detachment.
A 31-year-old Mississauga resident, a 26-year-old from Scarborough, and a 30-year-old from Gloucester were each charged with two counts of causing damage or injury to an animal or bird - failure to provide suitable/adequate food, water, care, or shelter.
The three accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sarnia on August 12.
A media release also said the Ontario Animal Protection Call Center was notified of the incident by OPP and has launched its own investigation. Further charges are pending.
Sarnia-Lambton is currently experiencing a heat wave. Environment Canada said daytime temperatures will reach the mid-30s this week with humidex values in the mid-40s.
During this time, residents are urged to not leave their pets inside of vehicles and to provide basic standards of care, as included in the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act.