Four dogs rescued from a hot car in Harrogate today are fine and have been handed back to their owner after receiving treatment from a vet.
The Stray Ferret reported today that bystanders at Oak Beck Retail Park off Skipton Road had to smash a car window to free the dogs who were trapped for 40 minutes without even a window open.
Fortunately, there were vets working at the nearby Vets4Pets, which is inside Pets At Home.
A spokesperson for Vets4Pets said the labradors were given treatment and after a health check that showed they were OK, were handed back to the owner. They added:
“Touch wood we got to them in time”.
The article provoked a furious response from Stray Ferret readers on Facebook with many incredulous that the owner would put their pets’ health at risk during today’s sweltering heat.
It is not illegal to leave a dog in a hot car but owners are legally responsible for their pets’ health and welfare.
If a dog becomes ill or dies in a hot car, the owner could be charged with animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This could lead to a prison sentence and/or a fine.
The Stray Ferret understands a North Yorkshire Police officer attended the scene. We have asked NYP for a statement on the incident but are yet to receive a reply.
PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, has an article on its website that advises people on what to do if you find a dog in distress inside a car.
Read more:
- LIVE: Thunderstorm warning as Harrogate district sizzles
- Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate
