Police warn not to leave dogs in hot cars as they offer advice to owners

Sgt Neil Lavender posted this picture of his dog Bessie. Police are advising not to leave dogs in hot cars during this weather. PHOTO: Policing East Cambs. (Image: Archant)

Policing East Cambs say if residents see a dog trapped in a hot ca then they should not hesitate to call them to save the animal’s life.

It comes as officers continue to be called out to vehicles where dogs have been left unattended.

“Regardless of how long for - we won’t hesitate to break a window to rescue the animal,” they state.

The post on Policing East Cambridgeshire says: “Dogs rescued from cars will be handed into the care of the RSPCA and won’t be returned to the owner until the question of prosecuting the owner for neglect of the animal, or animal cruelty, has been resolved.

“A little known fact about dogs is - they can’t sweat. The few sweat glands that they do have are usually found in the pads of their paws. Those paws can be easily burned on hot concrete.

“The only way your dog can expel heat is by panting. For long haired dogs the hot weather can be particularly dangerous.”

Sergeant Neil Lavender of the Beds, Cambs and Herts Police Dog Unit also suggested that it’s best to take your dog for a walk either early morning or evening.

He said: “Your dog will still need exercise and want to go out - but you should choose to do it early in the morning or in the late evening when the temperature has fallen. We are still observing dog walkers taking their best friends out in the midday sun. This is a dangerous thing to do and should be avoided.

“Being left in a car - even with the window open a bit - is a lethal situation for dog and no responsible dog owner should ever do it. Please don’t leave your dog in the car.”

Sgt Lavender posted pictures of his cocker spaniel Bessie, who is the family pet and will be two-years-old in November.

The post has had more than 100 shares online.