RSPCA warn ‘Don’t leave dogs in hot cars’ after death of three Labradors
The RSPCA is urging pet owners not to forget their animals as temperatures are set to soar this weekend.
Following police reports of three Labradors found dead in a car in Wales this week, the animal welfare charity is reminding people of how hazardous the inside of the vehicle can be for dogs.
It is concerned that people are not taking on advice and are continuing to leave their animals in places that are far too hot.
David Bowles, the RSPCA’s director of communications, said: “With the topsy turvy weather recently people may have been even more forgetful than usual about how hazardous the inside of a vehicle may be for an animal.
“Most people seem to know the ‘don’t leave dogs in hot cars’ message, but I think they just don’t think anything bad will happen to their pets, particularly if they’re just leaving them for a few minutes.
“What people need to realise is that the next animal to die in a hot car, conservatory or outbuilding could be their pet – that’s how serious this is.”
Despite a fairly mixed summer, the RSPCA’s national control centre still received 1,399 calls about animals in distress because of the warm weather in July. But, with temperatures set to soar to 27 degrees Celsius in some parts of England and Wales, we are expecting even plenty more this weekend.
All too often, owners make the mistake of thinking that it is sufficient to leave a bowl of water or a window open for their pet but this is not enough to protect your pet from heatstroke, which can have fatal consequences. Even a hot garden without shade can be disastrous for an animal.
As an example, the temperature inside a vehicle can soar to 47 degrees within 60 minutes when the outside temperature is just 22 degrees.
Other key points are:
· All dogs will suffer, but some dogs are more prone to heatstroke. For example, dogs that are old, young, short nosed, long haired, overweight or heavily muscled are more at risk, as well as dogs with certain diseases.
· Cloud cover can disappear quickly.
· Temperatures in air conditioned cars can reach the same temperature as outside within just five minutes of the air conditioning being turned off.
Notes to editors
— Info regarding the case of the three Labradors need to be directed to the Dyfed Powys Police press office on 01267 226 555.
— Interviews and information about the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars are available from the RSPCA.
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
Take the worry out of caring for your pet – the RSPCA My Pet iPhone app has loads of pet care advice, a scrapbook and diary for key dates so you'll never forget a vet appointment again! Find out more by visiting: http://www.rspca.org.uk/in-action/aboutus/stayinformed/iphone
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