Dogs left in cars

[blonderedhead]

Does anyone know what one should do if you see a dog that has been left in a car? I have seen a couple recently, and the window had been left a bit open which indicated to me that they were going to be left for a while. I didn't know whether to call the police, RSPCA or someone else. You read such awful things about how quickly a dog can overheat and dehydrate. Any ideas?

[Tortington]

police

[HarrietSchulenberg]

Depends on the circumstances, surely? If it's a hot day then intervention would be needed. If the dog seems distressed, whatever the weather, then the same. If the dog was just alone and not distressed, windows open and the temperature not high then I wouldn't bother.

I'd go for police for a contact, but if the dog was really distressed I'd just break a window myself to get it out then seek help.

[ismadme]

Its not illegal to leave a dog in a car.

[LeoTheLateBloomer]

I saw a large lab in a car on a warm day with no windows open

It was in Tescos car park so I reported it to customer services in the hope that they'd put a message out for the owner to do something about it. Fortunately the owner came out just as the security chap what going to check it out.

No, it's not illegal ismadme but it's highly irresponsible and downright cruel.

[Avantia]

If dog is distressed . over heated etc call Police.

If not hot day and windows open and dog OK then police will not come out if dog not distressed as someeone has already said it is not illegal.

I'm sure many of us have left a dog in a car - obviously not on hot day. I am happy to leave my dog in the car for short periods, no one can see in , tinted windows , when I get back she is asleep.

[misschenko]

I know there are people who will say its irresponsible to leave a dog in a car (risk of dog overheating, car or dog theft, car bursting into flames etc) but I think it can be done responsibly. My dog always goes to sleep as soon as he gets in the car and stays asleep till I tell him to get out, he's in a covered crate so no-one can see him. I always park where I can see the car from inside the shop and am never gone long. Wouldn't leave him on a hot day, or in Tescos car park because can't see the car from inside the shop, also its in a dodgy area and dogs have been stolen from cars there. There's now a notice telling people not to leave dogs tied up outside the store because dogs have been stolen.

[Tchootnika]

I don't see why leaving a dog in a car for a short time with the window open should be a problem.
Please tell me if I'm missing something, though.

[LeoTheLateBloomer]

btw my reference to it being irresponsible and downright cruel was referring to dogs being left in the heat with minimal air.

I leave my dog in the car as long as he's in the shade on a sunny day and there are 3 windows open.

[ExitPursuedByATroll]

I leave my dog in the car all the time. I hope I am not breaking the law. If it is not a boiling hot day then surely it is not a problem? He would rather come with us than be left at home on his own. there is always a window or three open, and the sun roof so he gets plenty of fresh air.

[Avantia]

It is not illegal to leave a dog in car - but you could be prosecuted if they should overheat , be distressed , - under the Animal Welafre Act - abit like leaving yur child aline at home - only get prosecuted should it all go horribily wrong .

For responsible owners who do leave dogs in cars it should not be an issue.

[DrNortherner]

Just because the window is open does not mean the dog will be left a while.....who would leave a dog in a car and NOT open a window?

I leave mine if I am popping to the shops before/after a dog walk, and always leave a window open. I'm gone 5 mins max.

Sometimes, when visiting my SIL who doesn't like big dogs, he will be in the car on her drive with windows open for 30 mins. I would NEVER do this on a hot day.