Police officers rescued a dog from a workman’s car in Swindon this afternoon.
Wiltshire Police were alerted to the terrier breed locked in the vehicle in Ixworth Close, Shaw, in the blazing sunshine at around 1pm.
On arrival, in 30 degrees celsius heat, officers released the dog. It’s understood they were able to unlock the car and remove the dog via a partially open window without causing any damage.
“The dog was safe and well and the incident will now be dealt with by the RSPCA”, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police commented.
Two locals told Wiltshire 999s they believe the vehicle belonged to a builder or other workman.
One local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It was a builder’s car. He was working on someone’s house and had left his dog inside the car for a fairly long time. He obviously took it to work with him; it’s so unfair on the poor little thing.
“The windows were open a few inches, but it just shouldn’t be happening. He put his dog’s life at risk.”
Another added: “I think it was a builder working in someone’s house.”
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “Never leave pets in vehicles, caravans, conservatories or outbuildings in warm weather, even if it’s just for a short while. A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When it’s 22 degrees, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour.
“In an emergency, it is best to dial 999 and report a dog in a hot car to police. The RSPCA may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, we’d need police assistance at such an incident.
“If the situation becomes critical and police can’t attend, many people’s instinct is to break into the car to free the dog. But please be aware that, without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage. Make sure you tell the police of your intentions and take photos or footage of the dog as well as names and numbers of witnesses. The law states that you have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances.
“Once removed from the car, move the dog to a shaded/cool area and douse him/her with cool water. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water.
“If the dog isn’t displaying signs of heatstroke, establish how long the dog has been in the car and make a note of the registration. Ask a member of staff to make an announcement of the situation over the tannoy, if possible, and get someone to stay with the dog to monitor its condition.
“You can call the RSPCA’s emergency cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 for advice but, if a dog is in danger, dialling 999 should always be the first step.”
