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Jul 2022

Last Updated: 20/07/2022

Crime

Police to refer man who left four dogs in hot car to RSPCA

by Thomas Barrett

| 20 Jul, 2022

Bystanders at Oak Beck Retail Park smashed a car window to free the dogs in sweltering heat.

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:

"Members of the public witnessed the dogs being left unattended with the windows up and seemingly without air conditioning for around 30 minutes.

"One of them smashed a window on the vehicle and the dogs were taken into the care of a vet.

"Police spoke to the owner of the dogs and are due to report him to the RSPCA."

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:

"Despite our very clear message each year, some people still continue to leave their dogs in hot cars thinking there is no risk, and many more take their dogs out for walks in hot temperatures when pavements are red hot.

"It’s so important to remember not to leave any animal in any vehicle or caravan, or in a conservatory or outbuilding, where temperatures can quickly rise, even when it doesn’t feel that warm outside."

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Police to refer man who left four dogs in hot car to RSPCA

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What powers does the RSPCA have?