RSPCA inundated with calls about dogs in hot cars
Published: Thursday, 28 June, 2018
The RSPCA is urging people not to risk their pet’s lives by leaving them shut inside hot cars.
From June 11-24 the RSPCA emergency hotline received 625 calls, 18 of which were from Gloucestershire.
On Monday, June 25 the hotline was called once every eight minutes, despite the charity advising people to call the police in the case of an emergency.
RSPCA campaign manager Holly Barber, who runs the Dogs Die in Hot Cars campaign said: “There is absolutely no reason or excuse that warrants risking your pet’s life by leaving them in a car on their own in this heat.
"People don’t believe it will happen to them or they tell themselves they’ll only be a minute, but it simply isn’t good enough.
"We’re pleading with people not to take the risk and to leave their pets at home where they will be safe and happy.
RSPCA guidance says if you see a dog in distress in a hot car dial 999. The Police will then inform the RSPCA if animal welfare assistance is required.
In periods of hot weather dog owners should either take their pets with them or leave them at home with access to water.
Stroud District Council's Animal Welfare Service has advised dog walkers to take their pets somewhere they can enjoy a swim to cool off, to take water with them and to offer them frozen treats when they get home.
"Most importantly, do not leave your dog in you car, even for a minute," they added.
For more information visit www.rspca.org.uk or call 0300 1234 999.