A video has shown the moment a distressed dog that collapsed after being left inside a hot car was rescued by police officers in Nottingham.
The small black Shih Tzu had been left alone inside the vehicle on Monday afternoon, when temperatures were soaring across the country.
The dehydrated pup was found panting and barking, with officers smashing the car’s window to rescue him just in time.
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They then rushed him into the shade before dousing him in a bottle of water and taking him to a veterinary hospital, where his temperature was recorded as 39.1C (102.38F).
The windows of the car had been left slightly open, but it was not enough to prevent the pet from collapsing due to the extreme heat.
“I would like to thank staff at NET Nottingham Tram for alerting us to this incident. Had they not done so, it is unlikely the dog would have survived,” said PC Jamie Martin.
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“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.”
Is it illegal to leave your dog inside a vehicle?
While it is not illegal to leave a dog inside a hot car, owners are legally responsible for their pet’s health and welfare.
If a dog becomes ill or dies due to being shut inside a vehicle, owners can be charged with an animal cruelty offence, which could lead to a prison sentence or a fine.
With temperatures expected to exceed 30C (86C) across the UK this week, people are being reminded not to leave their pets trapped inside their car.
Read more: How to protect your dog from deadly UK heatwave as weather gets hotter
Cars can ‘become as hot as an oven’
The RSPCA has warned that cars can become as hot as an oven, even when the weather doesn’t feel that warm.
It claims that when it’s just 22C (71.6F) outside, a car could reach 47C (116.6F) within an hour.
“As sweltering temperatures continue, it’s more important than ever to spread the message that dogs die in hot cars,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.
“Many people think it will be fine just to leave their pets for a short period of time, but not long is too long. Temperatures can soar to dangerous levels so quickly – and that can put dogs in serious danger.”
People are advised to call 999 if they spot a dog in distress.
