Police were called to a Swindon town centre car park this afternoon after a member of the public raised concerns about the welfare of a dog locked inside a vehicle.
It’s understood that the husky, which was found in a ‘visibly distressed’ state in a blue Ford Focus, was left in the car between approximately 10.50am and 12.30pm.
Police officers attended the Granville Street Short Stay Car Park, off Commercial Road, and removed the dog from the unlocked car before the owners returned. On their return, the owners – the couple thought to be in their 60s – are said to have refused to acknowledge an issue.
After police said they would seize the dog if they did not take it to the vets for a check-up, the owners eventually agreed to take the dog to the vets themselves. The dog given the all clear.
Inspector Gill Hughes confirmed that the owner has been reported for the offence.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police told Wiltshire 999s: “It is not advisable to leave any animal locked in a car during warm weather, a car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm outside.
“The RSPCA estimates that in 22 degree weather, a car can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour.
“If you come across a dog in a car during warm weather, and you’re concerned that the dog appears uncomfortable you should call police on 101 to report it.
“If the dog is in clear distress then call us on 999.”
