Dogs still left in hot cars despite warnings
The RSPCA received more than 200 calls nationally about dogs locked in cars over the hot Bank Holiday weekend – around three calls every hour.
Two of these calls were received in Shropshire and more than 20 in Wales over the weekend, while a further five were received in the West Midlands.
The animal charity had previously reminded people about the dangers of leaving dogs in cars, where temperatures can quickly rise.
The charity also revealed that it received 7,816 calls in 2017 about animals in hot environments. The charity records these calls as heat exposure in dogs, which can include those outside who are suffering from heat, or dogs in conservatories or caravans – but the majority of the incidents were dogs in hot cars.
Holly Barber, RSPCA campaign manager, said: “Many people think it will be fine just to leave their pets for a minute or two but we know that this is all it takes for temperatures inside a car to soar to dangerous levels.
“We have been doing a lot of campaigning lately about the dangers of leaving your dog in a hot car, and it’s really worrying that despite this, some people are still putting their pets in dangerous situations.
“Our main advice to owners is not to leave dogs in cars and our main advice to passers-by should call 999 if they’re concerned about an animal in a hot environment.”
Dangerous
RSPCA Cymru superintendent Martyn Hubbard added: “This is not a new warning, but sadly too many people still don’t appreciate how dangerous it can be to leave a dog in a hot car, conservatory or caravan.
“We would urge dog owners to consider whether it would be best for their pet to stay at home, or whether they are able to keep their dog with them while they are out and to make sure their pet has plenty of access to shade and fresh water throughout the day when they do
“It shocking that we received a call every four a half hours over the weekend, but it may also be that there were many more incidents as we recommend we call the police, who in an emergency should be the first point of contact.”
Under the Animal Welfare Act it is illegal to cause an animal unnecessary suffering. Penalties for doing so are an unlimited fine and/or a six-month custodial sentence.
In an emergency, it is best to dial 999 and report a dog in a hot car to police. The RSPCA may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry and would need police assistance.
