Page 16 - Summer Newsletter 25
P. 16
WELFARE
Is it illegal to leave a dog in a hot car? Step 3: Tell the police what you intend
Sadly, many owners are unaware of the to do and why, and take pictures and/or
tragic consequences from leaving a dog footage of the dog and the names and
in a hot car. Even if they’re left for just a numbers of any witnesses to the
short while, in the shade and with a incident. The law states that you have a
window cracked open, cars can heat up lawful excuse to commit damage if you
very quickly. Cars can reach incredibly believe that the owner of the property
high temperatures within minutes of a would consent to the damage if they
car stopping. When a dog’s temperature knew the circumstances (section 5(2)(a)
goes above 40°C, it can trigger the start Criminal Damage Act 1971).
of irreversible damage to the brain and
internal organs. Step 4: Once the dog is removed from
the car, get someone to call a local vet
It is not illegal as such to leave a dog in a
hot car, but owners are legally immediately; they may ask you to come
straight to them as an emergency. While
responsible for their pet’s health and
welfare. If a dog became ill or sadly you wait for advice, move the dog to a
shaded/cool area and pour small
died due to being left in a hot car,
amounts of cool water over their body.
owners could be charged with the
offence of animal cruelty under the Don’t use ice-cold water as this could
put them into shock. Allow the dog to
Animal Welfare Act 2006. This could
lead to a prison sentence and/or a fine. drink small amounts of cool water and
take them to the nearest vet as a matter
What to do if you see a dog in a hot car of urgency, even if they seem to have
recovered.
Step 1: Make an assessment of the
situation. Is the dog showing signs of Dogs most at risk of developing
distress or heatstroke? If they are, dial heatstroke are often overweight, have
999 and ask for assistance. thicker or longer coats, are young or
Step 2: If the situation becomes critical elderly, or are flat faced breeds (such as
for the dog and the police are too far Pugs or Bulldogs). But it’s important to
away or unable to attend, many remember all dogs can suffer
people’s instinct will be to break into heatstroke.
the car to free the dog. If you decide to
do this, please be aware that, without
proper justification, it could be classed
as criminal damage and you may need
to defend your actions in court.
info@bedlingtonrescue.co.uk www.bedlingtonrescue.co.uk
