Brits have been making the most of the warm weather for weeks, with many families visiting coastal areas and staycation spots as of recent as the summer fast approaches. However, with the humid heat comes the risk of overheating while on the roads, especially when you have pets in the car.
With the mercury beginning to bubble, there have been some instances around the United Kingdom where people have left their dogs in the car as they quickly run errands, but this should never, under any circumstances, be done. Even a quick trip could lead to your four-legged friend suffering heatstroke, which can potentially be fatal.
For example, when it hits 22C outside, the RSPCA reported that the inside of a car can reach 47C within an hour - causing potentially long-lasting harm to an animal. According to Blue Cross, people should always call 999 to notify the police of their intentions to smash a vehicle's window to free a dog in a hot car.
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The Express reports that this is because if someone decides to break into a car without proper justification - they could be charged with criminal damage and left to defend their actions in a court of law. People are advised to take pictures or videos of the pet, and collect witnesses to back their reasoning up.
The Blue Cross also details how the Criminal Damage Act 1971 provides 'a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances'.
Motor manufacturers have more recently introduced features to protect dogs stuck in hot cars, with Tesla sporting a 'dog mode' in some of their models to allow drivers to set an interior temperature to keep their pets cool. The temperature is also displayed on the central infotainment screen, as well as a message stating that the owner will return shortly.
The new mode also allows drivers to monitor the temperature of their car remotely, so they can keep a close eye from afar.
With regards to transit, motorists should ensure that their pets are suitably restrained and do not distract the driver - something that could make commuting from a to b far more dangerous. A spokesperson for Fletchers Group, said: "Under Rule 57 of the Highway Code, dogs must be suitably restrained whilst you are driving.
"This is so they cannot distract you or injure you if you were to stop quickly. You can receive a fine of up to £5,000 if caught improperly restraining your dog when driving, where you risk going to court and receiving nine points on your licence. Even if the case doesn’t result in going to court, you can still be liable to pay a £1,000 fine and receive penalty points."
