Police to refer man who left four dogs in hot car to RSPCANorth 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.”
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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.”
Stray Pets Rescue Club: Do you have space in your heart for Trix, Rupert or Dapple and Tricky?The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of rescue animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month Trix, Rupert, Dapple and Tricky are looking for a home.
Trix
Age: Eight months old
Trix’s Story: Trix was born with a congenital defect of her sternum, Pectus Excavatum. This required very specialist surgery and repeated operations to try and correct the defect so that she could breathe more normally.
Temperament: Trix has now been given a new lease of life and has now been able to play and run around like any other kitten, with lots of rest in between.
Ideal home: She needs an adult only home where someone is around most of the time. Trix would enjoy the company of gentle cat companions and although she will be timid to begin with once she gets to know you she is very affectionate.
Could you give Trix a loving home? Get in touch with Harrogate Cat Rescue.
Rupert
Age: three-years-old
Rupert’s story: Rupert is a sweet boy who came into the care of RSPCA after his owner could no longer meet his needs.
Temperament: This sweet pup is friendly and likes to be out and about meeting people and other dogs but he isn’t too leen on being left alone. He will need to be at home most of the time while he learn it’s ok to be left alone.
Ideal home: He is a very active dog so needs equally active adopters to give him the exercise he needs. Rupert will need a home where there is a secure fully enclosed garden with a six-foot fence. Rupert could live with another dog after a successful introduction at the centre and could live with children aged 10 years and over.
Could Rupert fit in with you and your life? Get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch.
Dapple and Tricky
Age: Adult
Dapple and Tricky’s Story: Dapple came to the centre as an unclaimed stray, she had an injury to one of her toes which unfortunately was too old to be fixed so she had it amputated. Tricky is a sweet little rabbit who was born at the centre after his mum and dad were not wanted by their previous owner any longer.
Temperament: Dapple has great character and is a cheeky, happy girl but is also quite independent and likes to keep herself to herself and does not enjoy much handling. Tricky is a young, cheeky and playful little boy. These two rabbits have been bonded here at the centre and they love each other so much.
Ideal home: They would be suitable to live with children aged 14 years and over. Their home needs a hutch that is a minimum of six-foot with an attached run of a minimum eight-foot.
If you have space for these furry friends, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch.
Stray Pets Rescue Club: Will, Jerry, Link and Mystic are in need of loving homesThe Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Will the rabbit, Jerry the dog and cats Link and Mystic need your help.
Will
Age: 1
Will’s Story: Will is a sweet natured boy who came to us as his previous owner could no longer take care of him.
Temperament: Will is an active playful boy who really enjoys so many things, he likes to investigate new things, he likes being around people but most of all he likes veg time.
Ideal home: We are looking for adopters who will keep him entertained and who already have an existing spayed female rabbit who he can bond with and share the rest of his life with. We are looking for accommodation where the hutch is a minimum of 6ft with an attached run of a minimum 8ft.
If you could give Will a loving home, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch.
Jerry
Age: 14-15 months old
Temperament: He is a friendly dog with people, but can be unpredictable with other dogs. He is very lively and intelligent but has never been taught any manners.
Ideal home: He needs someone to spend a lot of time training him. He cannot be rehomed with children or any other animals, and will need a secure garden.
If you have the time to train Jerry, contact Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs.
Link and Mystic
Ages: Six years old
Link and Mystic’s story: Mystic and Link came to the centre as their previous owner could no longer keep them. They are a very sweet and very bonded pair of cats who absolutely adore each other so we will be looking for a home where they will stay together.
Temperament: Both cats are very friendly and love a fuss, they love treat time and then love to snooze the day away together. Mystic and Link are super chilled out, they would love to be able to snuggle up on the sofa with you and keep you company while watching the TV or reading a book.
Ideal home: They need a nice quiet home which is adult only with no other pets. If you are looking for a pair of laid back cats to add to your family then Mystic and Link are the cats for you.
To give this loving, chilled out pair a home, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch.
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Stray Pets Rescue Club: Hovis, Bertie and Gary need your help
The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, three gorgeous boys are hoping to meet someone to call their own.
Hovis
Age: 1
Hovis’ story: Hovis is currently living at Miss Mollie’s Rescue, having arrived from Romania. When he arrived he was a very scared boy, and had probably been treated very cruelly by the Romanian dog catchers.
Temperament: He is very worried by new people, but after some patience and kind attention he is lovely. He enjoys running around a field, and having lots of cuddles once he’s got to know you. Food is a very big part of his life, so treats are the way to his heart – and his trust.
Ideal home: Hovis will need an experienced adult home, and he will need to be placed with someone who will be at home most of the time to help build his confidence.
If you could help Hovis feel safe in a loving home, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue.
Bertie
Age: 2
Bertie’s story: Bertie was handed over to the Dogs Trust when he was one year old, as his owners couldn’t cope with his behaviour. He was already worried by unfamiliar people and places, but due to the covid lockdowns he has had a very sheltered life.
Temperament: If you take the time to slowly get to know Hovis, you’ll see a wonderful boy who will always make you smile. He loves to play with his toys and is very affectionate with his friends. He is full of character and is also very smart. He’s now doing really well but needs adopters who’ll work with Dogs Trust Leeds to transition him to his new life slowly.
Ideal home: Bertie needs an adult only home with no pets and no visiting children. Other dogs are a worry for him and so he must be walked in quieter areas. He requires a quiet and predictable home with owners who are willing to continue with his training.
If you have room in your heart for Hovis, visit Dogs Trust Leeds.
Gary
Age: 5
Gary’s story: Gary came to the RSPCA as a semi-feral cat after his welfare had become compromised and he could no longer stay where he was. Gary was extremely nervous of everyone when he first arrived, but after lots of hard work he’s now ready to be re-homed.
Temperament: Once Gary builds a bond and trusts you, he is the sweetest boy. He loves head rubs and playing with wand toys. Once he’s got to know you, he enjoys being around you and likes to sit and watch – even if you’re not interacting with him.
Ideal home: Gary is still very fearful of people he does not know, and any new adopter will need to give him time to settle into a home environment. He will need a spare room that can be dedicated to him and he can make his own and feel confident in before being introduced to the rest of the house. He needs an adult only home.
If you could help Gary regain his confidence, contact RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch.
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