Dogs In Hot Cars

Not specifically a Chester only issue as dogs in hot cars is a problem everywhere. Including of course Chester as well. Nobody is really sure how long this hot weather will last, but as it is, and hot weather will return again of course, this post is relevant at all times really. Not just in this current heatwave.

The information below is from a variety of sources. Not unsurprisingly, my Chester Lifestyle good buddy, John from Blacon has provided a lot of it. The very first section after the first heading below in fact.

Some people may see this article and think that the warnings are already well known. Dog lovers everywhere will be thinking, “of course we know all this.”

But, it seems, so many dog owners, don’t. Many dog lovers will be amazed no doubt that looking after dogs in hot cars could even be an issue. Note my distinction between ‘dog lovers’ and ‘dog owners.’

Anyway, on to the the important information regarding dogs in hot cars.

Dogs In Hot Cars

John from Blacon has provided me with this:

“What the law says you’re allowed to do if you see a dog locked in a boiling hot car.

Know what you’re allowed to do, and what you’re not.

It’s summer and it’s hot. But while most of us love the heat, it also brings a whole host of other problems, including sunstroke, dehydration, overheating – and more.

Tragically, at this time of year, many dogs succumb to heat-related deaths because inside the small, insulated space of a car, temperatures can soar rapidly.

According to the RSPCA, when it’s 22 degrees outside, it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees in a car within an hour.

So if you see a dog shut in a hot car, especially if they look as if they’re ailing, you might be tempted to release it, possibly by smashing a window.

But will you be breaking the law? Is it illegal to smash a car window to save a dog?

In an emergency, it is best to dial 999 and report a dog in a hot car to police.

The RSPCA says it may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, it would need police assistance to get into a car without the owner’s permission.

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.

What should I do if I see a dog in a car on a warm day?

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.

The RSPCA receives the equivalent of one call per hour about dogs trapped in hot cars.

It has assembled a group of 12 organisations to spread the word about the dangers of leaving dogs in hot places – as well as offering advice on the best way to help if you find a suffering animal.

If I leave my window open or my car in the shade is it fine? No.

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.”

I imagine there are dog lovers everywhere thinking that they would not wait for the Police. However, as it says above, you should, but I would understand people not waiting and acting immediately to help a dog.

Dogs In Hot Cars – What Others Say

Peter, from Newton, has provided this link about the legal position – https://www.levinslaw.co.uk/can-you-smash-a-car-window-if-im-concerned-for-a-dog/

While David, from Hoole, has notified of a recent situation in this link HERE. It is from an incident in Cornwall in actual fact. But the situation could quite easily happen anywhere.

An RSPCA spokesperson has said, “Animals don’t always realise when they’re too hot so it’s important that we keep a close eye on them.

“Ensure they have constant access to cool or shady areas and fresh water, avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day, and never, ever leave them alone in a hot car, caravan, conservatory or outbuilding.”

While Battersea Dogs and Cats Home stated:

“Do not leave your dog alone in the car under any circumstances,” the charity advised.

“Leaving them alone in a car when it is warm for even a few minutes can be fatal – even if the car is parked in the shade, or a window has been left open.”

I wonder what Paul O’Grady would make of it all!!!

So, dogs in hot cars. Plenty of help and guidance above for dog owners. And plenty of advice for anyone actually seeing a dog in distress in a car. Quite whether or not anyone would wait for the Police is debatable though.

Put it this way, if I left a dog in a car (which I wouldn’t anyway. Aside from that, we don’t have a dog – our 4 moggies wouldn’t allow us!!!) and someone smashed a window to rescue him or her, would I even think about prosecuting them for causing criminal damage? Not a chance. I think I would be apologetic and actually thank whoever it was that saved the day. Would any other dog lover prosecute for criminal damage? I wouldn’t think so. But you never know. So be aware of the above.

Hopefully this dogs in hot cars message gets across to those that still need to be made aware. Take heed folks and if you can, spread the word. Many thanks.

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