A distressed dog was rescued from a sweltering hot car by police officers who were forced to smash the vehicle’s window.
Officers were called after the dehydrated animal was spotted at the Wilkinson Street park and ride site, off Nottingham’s ring road, on Monday afternoon.
The small black Shih Tzu was barking and panting inside a locked car. The windows were left slightly open but it was not enough to prevent the dog collapsing.
Thankfully, police arrived just in time to save his life. They smashed the car’s window, gave him water and rushed him to a local vet in the back of a police car.
The dog is now making a good recovery and the owner has been invited to attend a police interview. The case is also to be referred to the RSPCA.
With temperatures in excess of 30C expected in Nottinghamshire this week, dog owners are once again being reminded not to leave their dogs in hot cars – even with the windows slightly open as was the case in this incident.
PC Jamie Martin, of the Broxtowe response team, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank staff at NET Nottingham Tram for alerting us to incident. Had they not done so, it is unlikely the dog would have survived.
“Many people think it’s OK to leave their dog in the car on a warm day providing the windows are open. But this incident shows that just simply isn’t the case. Put simply, you should never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day.
“Whilst it is not illegal to leave a dog in a hot car, owners are legally responsible for their pet’s health and welfare.
“If a dog became ill or sadly died due to being left in a hot car, owners could be charged with the offence of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
“This could lead to a prison sentence and/or a fine.”
According to the RSPCA, cars can become as hot as an oven, even when the weather doesn’t feel that warm. The charity says that when it’s 22C outside, the car could reach 47C within an hour.
If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, please dial 999.
• Dogs Die In Hot Cars Warning: Your rights and actions if you see a dog in a car
