Well, by now everyone who reads The Animal Angle will be fully aware of how dangerous it is to shut a dog inside a car, even if the windows are left slightly open. Thirty-three dogs were found locked in cars during April, some of them already deeply distressed and panting for breath. In many cases, the windows were heavily misted. Once again, we ask members not to pass by a car which has a dog (or a child) shut inside. This could be a death warrant.

Seek help immediately. If the occupant of the car seems already to be in distress, it might be necessary to break a window in order to open the door. Even on a day when the heat is not excessive, the temperature in a closed vehicle rises rapidly. On a hot day, the temperature will quickly rise to a level that could prove fatal. Despite the publicity we try to give to this thoughtless and dangerous practice, people who should know better continue to lock their animals in their cars… “I was only away for a fairly short time” is an excuse our inspectors hear all too frequently, but “a fairly short time” in a closed vehicle is all it takes to create a stifling atmosphere that will kill. .... more reports »