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20
Jul 2022
Police to refer man who left four dogs in hot car to RSPCA
North Yorkshire Police has said it will refer the owner of four dogs who were left inside a baking hot car to the RSCPA.
The Stray Ferret reported yesterday that bystanders at Oak Beck Retail Park off Skipton Road had to smash a Land Rover Discovery window to free the dogs.
They had been trapped for over half an hour without even a window open.
Fortunately, there were vets working at the nearby Vets4Pets, which is inside Pets At Home.
The Labradors were given treatment and after a health check that showed they were OK, were handed back to the owner.
But that might not be the end of the matter. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson has confirmed that an officer spoke to the male owner and will refer the incident to the RSPCA.
A spokesperson said:
Read more:
- Four dogs rescued from hot car in Harrogate given back to owner
- Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate
What powers does the RSPCA have?
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 charity has no legal enforcement powers or authority in its own right, so all prosecutions are brought via independent solicitors acting for the RSPCA.
The charity runs a regular 'dogs die in hot cars' campaign that warns motorists of the dangers of leaving a dog inside a car during hot weather.
A spokesperson said:
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