Dogs die in hot cars, motorists warned

Dogs die in hot cars warning

The Scottish SPCA is urging pet owners not to leave their dogs in hot cars as the temperatures rise this summer.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity has also warned that earlier this year a woman from Stirling was convicted after leaving a dog in the boot of her vehicle on a hot day.

Concerned members of the public have already been contacting the charity’s animal helpline after seeing distressed dogs left inside warm cars. The Scottish SPCA is keen to remind the public that they may be risking their dog’s life by leaving it in a hot car for even a short period of time.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Most people know what it’s like to get into a car after it’s been sitting in the sun. It’s unbearable and we immediately roll down the windows or turn on the air conditioning.

“Imagine being trapped inside a hot vehicle wearing a fur coat for minutes, possibly hours, and you are some way to understanding how a dog left inside a hot vehicle feels.

“Many people might not realise that even on warm, cloudy days, cars can effectively turn into ovens and dogs can overheat in minutes.

“Leaving a window open or providing water is simply not good enough. Dogs can’t sweat the way humans do and need to pant to cool down which can lead to severe dehydration and hyperventilation.

“We run our campaign every year but we continue to receive a large number of calls from concerned members of the public each summer and we fear some owners don’t fully appreciate the danger they are putting their pets in.

“In April a 45 year old woman from Stirling was convicted for leaving a dog inside the boot of her car without water for approximately one hour on a hot day. She was banned from keeping animals for five years.

“Tragically the Yorkshire terrier, which belonged to the woman’s father, was diagnosed with heatstroke and died after suffering a cardiac seizure.

“We hope this case serves as a warning to other owners who may be tempted to leave a dog in their vehicle on a warm day. Our advice is to leave dogs at home as it is simply not worth the risk.”

Scottish SPCA posters highlighting the dangers of leaving dogs in hot
cars are available to be displayed in local communities. To request
copies please phone the charity on 03000 999 999 selecting option 5 or
email fundraising@scottishspca.org.