There is a campaign afoot. Its aims are to stop you subjecting a beloved member of your family to a horrific death. Well, if like me you own a dog you would consider it a beloved member of the family and do anything to keep it safe from harm right? Well that is not necessarily the case, every year the RSPCA are still called out to rescue 6,000 dogs in distress who have been left in hot cars, usually because the owner is not aware of the deadly consequences. The 'Don't Cook Your Dog' campaign is addressing this by mobilising a pet-loving army to spread the word via charity links, social media, 'lifesaver' packs and celebrity endorsement.
A wave of revulsion swept the UK recently when news was released that yet again trapped police dogs had died, seemingly made all the sadder when you consider that these working dogs should have had such a special relationship with their handlers. A high-profile case such as this highlights just how easy it can be for anyone to be negligent.
Far too often this Summer I have seen evidence of frustrated Twitter users sending out locations and details of trapped, distressed dogs, trying to track down their owners and keeping an eye on them until the police, the RSPCA or a warden turned up. This should just not be happening. I know myself just how easy it is to think 'oh just a few minutes, he'll be fine' but it only takes a few minutes for your car to become a coffin, even with the windows down. Looking at my own dog and imagining what he would go through is just not worth those few minutes. Remember you have a legal duty to care for your dog, but also a moral and personal one, their life is quite literally in your hands so treat it well and don't leave them in your car.
For more on this campaign have a look here or follow @beverleycuddy editor of Dogs Today Magazine.
Follow Alice Wright on Twitter: www.twitter.com/HoveHousewife
Sadly it is far too common, and there is a huge lack of awareness which is why campaigns like this are so important.
And yes, I too would absolutely try and break into a car if I saw a trapped child or dog, and no I would not pay for any damages either!
All the best, thanks for reading. Alice
More sickening was the pet OWNER got all bent out-of-shape when it's assumed "cared for pet/companion" was simply having it's life being threatened by their neglect. And then when they had to foot the bill for the damageswhen they were held responsible for their idiot actions! Then they blame someone else....wow!....talk about being irresponsible! I don't think this person saw this pet as a living creature, in their care, but more some sort of cheap possession, one that is easy to replace if neglected to death.
Not only should fines be levied against such abusive owners, but if found guility of neglect they should be required to attend pet-care classes as well.
But, not to condemn all of mankind...since this "GOOD SIMARITAN" took notice and appropriate action.....thank goodness!! Some of the public do see the apparent heat danger for pets (and babies) and take some action/response, like in this instance. I also suggest taking some video of the event and the owners/vehicle (with name/time/place) and sent it to every TV station and newspaper in the city!
BTW, I just found another reason to carry a spring-loaded GLASS BREAKER in my vehicle.
I've run into these periodically (with windows rolled all the way up, black cars), involving both babies and dogs.
I was at a historical site in St. Louis, and found a dog in distress (sweating, drooling) in a new black mercedes on a 100+° day. Had it announced several times (with the tag no.), called the cops, watched the clock and waited by the car (with a lot of other folks.) The cops came, and said they wouldn't jimmy the car to get the dog out; a small crowd had gathered at that point, and turned angry. I very calmly said I'd be happy to replace the window, opened my car and removed a screwdriver; the cop said he wouldn't stop me or charge me as long as I wrote a check for the window. The owner came out before I broke it, and was furious at the cops and the very large (older, well-dressed) crowd.which was pretty hostile. I insisted the cop have him get the dog out, which staggered and fell; and told the cop to write a ticket for animal abuse which stated that he had to immediately take the dog to a vet (just giving it water won't drop the body temp fast enough; they usually can't keep it down.) The cop was now furious at the owner, cited him and escorted him to the vet himself. I got a call at my hotel; dog was fine, bill was around $1000 (overnight with ivs) and the owner was furious and wanted to sue me. I told the cop to give him my card; I'd make sure it got into every paper in America, with his name on it. I didn't get sued; but the cop named and shamed the guy in the St. Louis papers (and left my name out.)