Mummy says… I am absolutely shocked, appalled, angry and sad that in the past week I have heard of so many cases of dogs being left in cars. Dogs DIE in hot cars. FACT. YOUR dog will die if left in a car in this weather. Please, please read this post….
My teen daughter has just started working on the Customer Service desk in a large well known supermarket and has been shocked and upset by the incidents she has seen. In ONE WEEK she has had to alert two separate car owners that their dogs are in danger. Both car owners IGNORED the tannoy calls and did not return to their cars! Can you believe that? She saw one puppy go from barking and leaping around his cage to lying down panting for breath in less than half an hour. Luckily the owners returned in time.
In a neighbouring store, the Police were called to break into a car to rescue a dog.
On the radio two dogs died in Scotland after being left in a car. In just one week of the heatwave the RSPCA received more than 300 calls from concerned members of the public.
Dogs DIE in hot cars:
Even if you leave the windows open.
Even if the car is not in direct sunlight.
Even if your dog is in a cage and you cover the top.
Even if you only leave it for a short time.
DON’T DO IT!
It infuriates me that people leave their dogs in their car. In this heat, even being left for a really short time can be fatal. Your dog has no choice – YOU DO!
Have a look at this:
Here is what the RSPCA says:
Dogs die in hot cars
Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, dial 999.
Many people still believe that it’s ok to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they’re parked in the shade, but the truth is, it’s still a very dangerous situation for the dog.
A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When it’s 22 degrees, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour.
What to do if you see a dog in a car on a warm day
In an emergency, we may not be able to attend quickly enough, and with no powers of entry, we’d need police assistance at such an incident.
Don’t be afraid to dial 999, the police will inform us if animal welfare assistance is required.
Help a dog in a hot car
- Establish the animal’s health and condition. If they’re displaying any signs of heatstroke dial 999 immediately.
- If the situation becomes critical for the dog and the police are too far away or unable to attend, many people’s instinct will be to break into the car to free the dog. If you decide to do this, please be aware that without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage and, potentially, you may need to defend your actions in court.
- Make sure you tell the police what you intend to do and why. Take pictures or videos of the dog and the names and numbers of witnesses to the incident. The law states that you have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances (section 5(2)(a) Criminal Damage Act 1971).
Once removed, if the dog is displaying signs of heatstroke, follow our emergency first aid advice. This could mean the difference between life and death for the dog.
If the dog isn’t displaying symptoms of heatstroke
- Establish how long the dog has been in the car. A ‘pay and display’ ticket could help.
- Make a note of the car’s registration. If the owner returns, but you still feel the situation was dangerous for the dog, you may still report the incident to the police.
- If you’re at a shop, venue or event ask the staff to make an announcement to alert the owner of the situation.
- If possible, get someone to stay with the dog to monitor their condition. If they begin to display signs of distress or heatstroke, be prepared to dial 999.
- You can also call our 24-hour cruelty line for advice on . However, if the dog’s in danger, dialling 999 should always be the first step.
Please, please if you are worried about a dog in a car, seek help. Before it is too late. If you are a dog owner – leave your dog at home! It may be an inconvenience but at least you dog will be alive.
July 9, 2018 at 11:40 am
It’s shocking that people still do this. Some great advice here – I must admit I had no idea what first aid to give a dog suffering from heat stroke! Given that it seems we’re in for a long, hot summer, it’s so important to know what to do if you see an animal suffering.
July 9, 2018 at 1:15 pm
I just can’t believe anyone would be so silly to do such a thing. Well done for raising awareness of such an important message!
July 9, 2018 at 5:09 pm
I don’t have a dog but just can’t imagine why anyone would think it’s ok to do this. I wouldn’t want to me left in a hot car for a long period so surely it’s not safe to do the same to a dog.
July 9, 2018 at 5:22 pm
I can’t believe dog owners can be this irresponsible! Would you leave your kids in the car? No. So don’t leave your dog. Really makes me angry.
July 9, 2018 at 6:52 pm
It’s such an important message to spread, but one I’m surprised even needs to be said. To think some would be so irresponsible is heartbreaking!
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July 9, 2018 at 8:27 pm
It’s incomprehensible that people are still doing this! Surely there have been enough incidents reported on that people would know better. I don’t even own a dog and know not to do this. Thanks for raising awareness and sharing your great tips!
July 10, 2018 at 1:07 pm
It never ceases to amaze me how stupid some people are. I mean, come on. Everyone knows how quickly cars heat up when it is hot outside. So sad that innocent dogs need to suffer and in some cases, die. Poor things! Great tips and advice – let’s hope people take heed!
July 10, 2018 at 8:48 pm
It really makes my blood boil that people can be so irresponsible. Some people really shouldn’t have a dog. Thanks for raising awareness. x
July 10, 2018 at 10:38 pm
I can’t believe that people are doing this still. My friends dog died last week of heat stroke in the house, so I dread to think of dogs being left in cars.