DOG OWNERS are being warned of the dangers of leaving their pets in cars after a Lurcher was trapped in an ‘extremely hot’ vehicle at Malvern Retail Park.
The message follows an incident at the shopping complex last Tuesday (June 30) when a woman flagged down police with concerns about a dog which had been left in a vehicle for ‘at least 25 minutes’.
Windows of the vehicle were down about two inches, however it was not parked in a shaded part of the park and the Lurcher was in the back.
Officers managed to get into the vehicle and the dog, which was panting heavily, was removed and taken into the shade. It was also given water.
The owner, who did not return for another 20 minutes, was then spoken to by police and was warned the RSPCA would be contacted if it happened again.
PC Danian Lowe said: “The fact the dog was in the vehicle on what I believe was the hottest day of the year gave my colleague and I grave concerns.
“It is extremely important for dog owners to be responsible during the warm weather. Only leave your dog in the vehicle for the minimum amount of time if there are no other options.
“Ideally, do not leave your dog in the vehicle as nobody wants to deal with the alternative which is a reality during the summer months.”
Temperatures soared over 30 degrees in Worcestershire last Tuesday.
A number of animal welfare charities and the police have also come together to launch a hard-hitting national campaign to warn people of the consequences of leaving animals in hot cars.
Violet Owens, RSPCA campaigner, added: “Nobody ever thinks it is going to happen to them or their much-loved dog, yet every year many people still gamble with dog’s lives and every summer dogs die in hot cars.
“Many people still believe it is OK to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they are parked in the shade, but the truth is it is still a very dangerous situation for the dog.
“Just put yourself in their position and ask yourself how you would feel about being trapped in a hot car, how unpleasant and frightening it would be.”
