'˜Dogs die in hot cars', pet owners warned

Dog owners are being reminded about the dangers of leaving a dog trapped in a car.
RSPCA campaign imageRSPCA campaign image
RSPCA campaign image

The RSPCA is one of 12 organisations running the Dogs die in hot cars’ campaign, which is now in its second year.

Nationally, the charity receives thousands of calls every year involving dogs suffering from heat exposure, the majority or which are dogs in hot cars.

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There were 164 heat exposure reports in West Sussex last year, and 197 in East Sussex.

A statement from the RSPCA said: “It’s important to remember not to leave any animal in a car or caravan, or in a conservatory or outbuilding, where temperatures can quickly rise, even when it doesn’t feel that warm outside.

“For example, when it’s 22C outside, within an hour the temperature can reach 47C inside a vehicle, which can result in death.”

The charity is also issuing advice on what to do if you see a dog in a car on a hot day:

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“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, we’d need police assistance at such an incident.

“If the animal is displaying any sign of heatstroke - such as panting heavily, drooling excessively, is lethargic or uncoordinated, or collapsed and vomiting - call 999 immediately.

“If the situation becomes critical and police can’t attend, many people’s instinct is to break into the car to free the dog. But please be aware that, without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage.

“Make sure you tell the police of your intentions and take photos or footage of the dog as well as names and numbers of witnesses. 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.

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“Once removed from the car, move the dog to a shaded/cool area and douse him/her with cool water. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water.

“If the dog isn’t displaying signs of heatstroke, establish how long the dog has been in the car and make a note of the registration. Ask a member of staff to make an announcement of the situation over the tannoy, if possible, and get someone to stay with the dog to monitor its condition.

“You can call the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 for advice but, if a dog is in danger, dialling 999 should always be the first step.”

Also involved in the campaign are Dog’s Trust, The Kennel Club, #TeamOtisUK, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, The Mayhew Animal Home, National Animal Welfare Trust, The National Police Chiefs Council, PDSA, and Wood Green The Animals Charity.

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