To think we need an awareness campaign on dogs left in cars?

[epeesarepointythings]

Twice this week I have reported a dog left in a car at a local supermarket - in both cases the windows were left open a crack, but the RSPCA clearly states that this does not help to prevent overheating.

Who are the idiots who do this?

Dog owners.
I have no idea why they don't take the dog out of the car and tie it to the bumper or something whilst they go into the supermarket.

Digressing slightly, at an animal park I once went to they have a sign at the gate warning about hazards of leaving dogs in cars and guidelines re ventilation and water etc. They then ask that anyone who HAS left their dog in their car to leave their registration number and mobile number on the gate. Then the car park patrol will keep an eye on the dog for them. If a dog appears to be in distress and they can't contact the owner then they will break your windows to get the dog out. I thought that was quite sensible and refreshing to see and I wish more supermarkets and car parks would do it.

pj I'd like to see a lot more prosecutions for this sort of thing. Sorry if that's hard line, but after all the high-publicity cases in the past few years about dogs dying in cars there really isn't an excuse.

I agree - I think if someone has to break into your car to rescue a dog, then they should automatically be reported to the police and RSPCA. There is no excuse, it's just stupidity and neglect. Some people aren't fit to own a dog.

I think it depends how hot the day is and how long the dog is left for. I leave my dog in the car but not on hot days and parked under shade with the window open. I ve only ever left her for half an hour for a quick shop. I would not do it if doing a big shop which can take over an hour.

YANBU. What a shame people still haven't got the message.

IIRC there are police dog handlers who do this! Idiots!

cleowen 22C is enough to cause a car to become dangerously hot in half an hour. It doesn't need to be full-on sunny either.

Shade makes a big difference, windows left open don't!

Round my way, the majority of shops don't have any shaded parking spots at all...

Of course there are people who still do not realise the dangers of dogs overheathing in cars ....... but there are people like me who, for whatever reason might want / need to park up for a bit with dogs in the car. Who makes the decision as to when its "wrong" to so so

I have two fans and a thermomenter as well as water to drink in the car so even if the dogs have just been exercised and are panting their enviroment is often actually cooler than the ambient external temperature due to the movement of air. I now put a poster in the window to explain this and have actually proved this to doubters by taking the dogs temperatures. They were actually in a cooler environment than I was working in.

I agree , yes we do need an awareness campaign..... but not just saying "dont do it" when people will carry on because there are no guidelines as to the definition of what "hot" means . eg My DH turns on the fan in the house saying it hot and and I complain it making me cold as the temp for me is ok ! Dogs are just the same... even in the same conditions one dog will suffer another wont.

I reported someone in Sainsbury's today.

The terrier was going mental, no windows open and was setting off the car alarm to boot.