Don’t Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car!

May 19, 2017

As summer quickly approaches, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is reminding all dog owners not to leave their dogs in the car.

We have just enjoyed some warm, sunny weather and hopefully we will see plenty more in the coming months, this also means it’s ‘don’t leave your pets in the car’ weather. When the temperature is 22°C (72°F) outside, the temperature inside the car can soar to 47°C (117°) within one hour.  Dogs pant to keep themselves cool, which also raises the temperature in the car.  In a hot stuffy car, leaving a window open or a sunshield on your windscreen won’t keep your car cool enough.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Chairman of Environmental Services, Councillor James Baird said, “If it is warm outside and you are going out in the car, check that your destination is dog friendly. You won’t be able to leave your dog in the car and you don’t want your day out to be ruined. Under the Welfare of Animals Act, you have a legal duty of care to your animals and if you put them at risk you will face prosecution.

“If you are leaving your dog at home it is important to make sure that wherever your dog is, they are always able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if they are feeling hot. Never leave your dog alone in a glass conservatory or caravan and make sure they always have a good supply of drinking water.  You don’t want to be responsible for the terrible suffering of your pet.

“If your dog shows any symptoms of heatstroke, move him or her to a shaded, cool area and call your vet immediately for advice.  It is important to lower their body temperature gradually by dousing them in cool water but not cold, to avoid shock and let them drink small amounts of cool water until their breathing starts to settle.”

If you see a dog or any animal locked in a car, take the details of the car and go to the nearest offices and shops and ask for the owner to be paged. Go back and stay at the car and make sure the dog is not in distress.  If the owner does not show up call Animal Welfare on the telephone number below or the non-emergency PSNI number, 911.

For further information please contact animal welfare on Monday – Friday during office hours on 028 9244 7861 or Out-of-Hours 07824 994 490. Animal Welfare can also be emailed at animalwelfare@lisburncastlrereagh.go.uk