We support the dogs die in hot cars campaign
The RSPCA receives thousands of calls each year of dogs being left alone in cars on warm days. And with many more households owning dogs for the first time this year, its more important than ever to remind owners to never leave their dogs in the car.
Dogs are often found in our members’ car parks which is why we are one of the 13 stakeholders who support this campaign. Parking attendants across the UK do the invaluable job of helping the public and patrolling car parks to prevent dogs being left in hot cars. New dog owners may be unaware that leaving a dog in a parked car, even for a short time can be fatal on warm days.
Nobody thinks it’s going to happen to them or their much-loved pet, yet every year people still gamble with their dog’s life leaving them alone in a car on a warm day. Many people believe it’s OK to leave a dog if the windows are slightly open or they park in the shade, but the truth is it’s still very dangerous. A car can quickly become oven-like, even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When it’s 22℃ outside, inside the car can reach an unbearable 47℃ within an hour. Put yourself in the place of your dog, how would you feel trapped inside a car in that heat?
Support the campaign
- use the hashtag #DogsDieInHotCars and download the social media graphic here
- display posters in your car parks and on street lamp posts near to on-street parking here
- print leaflet here
Why is it a problem?
If dogs are too hot and unable to reduce their body temperature by panting, they develop heatstroke which can be fatal. Some dogs are more prone to heatstroke, for example very old or very young dogs, dogs with thick, heavy coats or dogs with short, flat faces. If your dog is on medication or has an underlying health condition it can also make them more susceptible.
What is the penalty for leaving a dog in a car to die?
In 2021 a suspended prison sentence was given to man in London who left two security dogs to die in the boot of a hot car. They died in just two hours on a hot day in April in 2019. The man was given a 12-month community order with 120 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay costs of £750 and a victim surcharge of £90.
What do I do if I am concerned for a dog who has been left in a car?
In an emergency, if an animal is displaying any sign of heatstroke such as panting heavily, drooling excessively, is lethargic, collapsed or vomiting, call the police on 999.
Past campaigns
Pre Covid-19 In 2019 over 60 of our local authority members supported the campaign including those in the six target areas where the impact of the campaign was measured; Cornwall, Sevenoaks, the New Forest, Swansea, Blackpool and Brighton and Hove. Councils displayed campaign posters in car parks and on barriers as well as posted on social media. In 2020 the campaign was run on social media due to the Covid-19 restrictions.