With the latest heatwave gripping the UK and temperatures reaching near-40C in some areas, looking after your pets is important.
Leaving dogs in cars during a warm day can cause serious health issues and sometimes death, with bystanders known to smash windows in certain conditions to get them out.
Here is what you should do if you see a dog in a car, and what the consequences could be if you smash a window.
What to do if you see a dog in a car on a hot day
If you see a dog in a hot car, the first thing to do is to assess its condition, the RSPCA says.
If the dog doesn't seem in distress, you can leave them in the car, but it is recommended to try to work out how long the dog has been in the car, such as from a pay-and-display ticket.
You should also make a note of the car's registration, and if the owner returns, but you still feel they'd put the dog in danger, you can tell the police.
The RSPCA says that if you are at a shop, venue or event, ask staff to alert the owner over the loudspeaker.
They add: "Make sure you, or someone else, stays with the dog.
"Monitor their condition and if they get worse be prepared to call 999."
If the dog is showing any signs of heatstroke, you should dial 999 immediately.
There are several signs and symptoms of heatstroke in dogs:
- Collapsing
- Confusion or disorientation
- Dehydration
- Drooling
- Increased heart rate (check a dog’s heartbeat by placing your hand on their chest, just behind their front leg’s elbow)
- Muscle spasms
- Noisy breathing
- Excessive Panting
- Red gums and tongue
- Seizures
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Weakness and lethargy
If you think a dog is suffering from heatstroke, the RSPCA says to cool them first to stop further heating and then take them to your nearest vet.
To cool the dog down, you can use water cooler than the dog’s temperature and pour it over their body.
Avoid their head and focus on the neck, stomach and thighs.
If available, submerge the dog's body in cool water such as a paddling pool or stream, as long as the water temperature is cooler than the dog.
The RSPCA warns not to attempt this on an unconscious dog, a dog with health conditions, or an elderly dog – for these dogs, spray them with room temperature water.
You can also create a breeze by fanning the dog to cool it down.
Can you legally smash a window to get a dog out of a hot car?
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it could be deemed as animal neglect if an owner leaves their dog in a hot car.
Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act places a duty of care on people to ensure they take reasonable steps in all circumstances to meet the welfare needs of their animals to the extent required by good practice.
If the dog suffers extensively or dies after being left in a hot car, owners could be at risk of being prosecuted.
However, it is recommended not to break a car window in the first instance.
The RSPCA says: "If the dog's condition is critical, and the police haven't arrived yet, your instinct will be to break into the car to free them.
"But please be aware that this could be classed as criminal damage.
"You may need to defend your actions in court, so please be sure you're doing the right thing."
Section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971 states that a person who, without lawful excuse, destroys or damages any property belonging to another, intending to destroy or damage any such property or being reckless as to whether any such property would be destroyed or damaged, shall be guilty of an offence.
As the damage would be under £5,000, a maximum penalty would likely be a fine and/or three months' imprisonment.
While it can be argued that breaking the window would be a lawful excuse, it is recommended to follow the guidelines provided by the RSPCA first.
The charity says that if you are sure you need to free the dog, tell the police what you intend to do and why.
It urges to take photos or videos of the dog and take their names and the numbers of other witnesses.
Recommended reading:
- Pet owners told to implement 48-hour 'dog lockdown' as latest heatwave hits UK
- Should you open or close your windows during a heatwave? Expert settles debate
- All of the UK areas placed under red and amber heat warnings by the Met Office
The RSPCA adds: "Don't be afraid to dial 999.
"If it's an emergency, we may not be able to get to you - and the dog - quickly enough.
"And as we have no powers of entry, we'd need to ask the police to help us rescue the dog.
"Don't worry - the police will soon let us know if the dog needs our help."
Legally, you can cause damage if you believe the car owner would consent to it if they knew the dog was in danger.
Would you break a window if you saw a dog in a car on a hot day? Let us know in the comments.
