Key Takeaways
- Dogs are being left in hot cars, resulting in internal temperatures of over 49C, despite efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of this practice.
- The SPCA has received numerous complaints about dogs being left in hot cars, with 214 complaints reported in 2022.
- Leaving a dog in a hot car can result in heat stress, and owners can be issued with a $300 infringement notice.
- The only way to ensure a dog’s safety is to leave them at home, with a friend or family member, or take them with you.
- Temperatures in a car can exceed 31C in less than 10 minutes, even with the windows down, and can reach over 50C on a hot day.
Introduction to the Problem
The SPCA has recently reported a disturbing trend of dogs being left in hot cars, with internal temperatures reaching as high as 49.1C. Despite efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of this practice, reports of dogs being left in hot cars continue to "roll in". The SPCA has responded to several cases, including one in Christchurch where a dog was rescued "just in time" from a car with an internal temperature of over 49C. The owner had cracked the windows, believing this would make the car cool enough, but this was clearly not the case.
The Dangers of Leaving Dogs in Hot Cars
Leaving a dog in a hot car can have horrific outcomes, and it is essential that owners are aware of the risks. The SPCA has reported that even with the windows down, temperatures in a car can exceed 31C in less than 10 minutes, and can reach over 50C on a hot day. This can cause heat stress in dogs, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Signs of heat stress include excessive panting, drooling, and hyperventilation, and trying to seek shade. It is crucial that owners take steps to prevent this from happening, such as leaving their dogs at home, with a friend or family member, or taking them with them.
Recent Cases and Statistics
The SPCA has reported several recent cases of dogs being left in hot cars, including one where the owner had left a bowl of water in the car, believing this would ensure the dog’s safety. However, the dog had knocked over the water bowl, and was lucky to be removed from the car by the SPCA team. In 2022, the SPCA received 214 complaints about dogs being left in hot cars, and it is disappointing that the message is still not getting through to some people. SPCA inspector Ben Lakomy has stated that it is an offence under the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018 to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of heat stress.
Consequences for Owners
Owners who leave their dogs in hot cars can face serious consequences, including a $300 infringement notice. It is essential that owners take responsibility for their dogs’ safety and well-being, and take steps to prevent them from being left in hot cars. The SPCA is urging owners to be aware of the risks and to take action to prevent their dogs from suffering from heat stress. By leaving their dogs at home, with a friend or family member, or taking them with them, owners can ensure their dogs’ safety and avoid the risk of an infringement notice.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, leaving dogs in hot cars is a serious issue that can have horrific outcomes. The SPCA is urging owners to be aware of the risks and to take action to prevent their dogs from suffering from heat stress. By leaving their dogs at home, with a friend or family member, or taking them with them, owners can ensure their dogs’ safety and avoid the risk of an infringement notice. It is essential that owners take responsibility for their dogs’ safety and well-being, and take steps to prevent them from being left in hot cars. By working together, we can prevent dogs from suffering from heat stress and ensure their safety and well-being.