Don’t let dogs die in hot cars

Jul 1 2009 by Stirling Editorial Reporter, Stirling Observer Wednesday

STIRLING Council’s Animal Control service has issued a warning not to leave dogs in cars during hot weather.

“Our advice is to leave the dog at home if you know it will be left in the car,” said Animal Control Officer, Bobby Cranie. “However, if you must keep the dog in the car make sure you park in a shaded area, leave the windows open and provide a bowl of drinking water.”

Every year in Scotland heat exhaustion claims the lives of dogs left in unventilated cars during the summer months. The temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can easily exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. At these heat levels the life expectancy of a dog left in an unventilated car is only about 10 minutes.

Officer Cranie went on to stress: “even if you have taken all of these precautions it is important to check on your dog regularly. Don’t think because it isn’t sunny when you leave your vehicle that there is no danger. Cars can heat up very quickly even in moderate sunlight.”

Stirling’s police have warned that they will break into a car should they suspect an animal is in distress and owners may then be charged with neglect.