THE RSPCA is pleading with pet owners not to leave unattended dogs in hot cars this Summer, after reports of two avoidable deaths in NSW in the last week.
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With temperatures reaching record highs around the state, any amount of time in a hot car can be fatal to our four legged friends, with one of last week’s tragedies happening in an underground Sydney carpark, with the windows down.
RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector David O’Shannessy said that some people just aren’t getting the message that a parked car is no place for a dog.
“It only takes six minutes for an animal to die from heat stroke,” Mr O’Shannessy said.
“Cars parked in the sun can reach temperatures in excess of 80 degrees celsius, and can remain dangerously hot even if the windows are open.”
If a do, is left in a car and dies, the owners are liable to a fine of $22,000, or even a two year prison sentence.
“Parked cars are death traps. Just don’t do it.”
After reports of two more dogs left in hot cars in Tamworth recently, the RSPCA is also urging residents to get online and sign the Just Six Minutes pledge, to never leave a dog unattended in a vehicle for any amount of time.
With temperatures once again tipping the 40 degree mark this week, owners are also reminded to make sure all animals have access to shade and water if they are outside, while owners should only walk or exercise their dogs in the morning, or evening, when the temperatures have dropped.
