A Jack Russell was safely rescued from a car on a sunny afternoon after becoming trapped, fire crews have said. The 14-year-old dog, who is names Boycie, was reportedly trapped in the car in France Lane, Hawkesbury Upton.
A statement from Avon Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Yate were called at 5.49pm on Tuesday, June 20 to reports of a small animal trapped inside a car. The air conditioning was "luckily" left on, the statement said, and crews began a rescue mission to release Boycie from the car.
The statement said: "Using small tools and utilising manual handling techniques, crews were able to rescue Boycie and reunite him with his family."
Read more: Disabled man avoids eviction after ACORN demonstration
The RSPCA is asking all dog owners to 'be prepared' for the heat, and to never leave dogs inside hot cars, even for a short time. "A car can become as hot as an oven," the charity says, "even when the weather doesn't feel that warm."
"When it's 22 degrees Celsius outside, the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour. It's very dangerous and will cause your dog suffering and harm," the RSPCA says on its website.
The RSPCA has issued the following advice on what to if you see a dog inside a car on a hot day:
What to do if you see a dog in a car on a warm day
First, assess the dog's condition. If they're showing any signs of heatstroke dial 999 at once.
If the dog's condition is critical, and the police haven't arrived yet, your instinct will be to break into the car to free them. But please be aware that this could be classed as criminal damage. You may need to defend your actions in court, so please be sure you're doing the right thing. Legally, you can commit damage if you believe the car owner would consent to it if they knew the dog was in danger.
If you're sure you need to free the dog, tell the police what you intend to do and why. Take photos or videos of the dog. Are there any other witnesses? Take their names and telephone numbers.
Don't be afraid to dial 999. If it's an emergency, we may not be able to get to you - and the dog - quickly enough. And as we have no powers of entry, we'd need to ask the police to help us rescue the dog. Don't worry - the police will soon let us know if the dog needs our help.
What do I do once the dog is free?
Check if the dog is showing signs of heatstroke or is in distress. If they are, immediately follow our emergency first aid advice. This could mean the difference between life and death for the dog.
How can I help a dog who appears OK?
If the dog doesn't seem in distress, you can leave them in the car and follow these actions.
- Work out how long the dog has been in the car. A 'pay and display' ticket could help.
- Make a note of the car's registration. If the owner returns but you still feel they'd put the dog in danger, you can tell the police.
- If you're at a shop, venue or event, ask staff to alert the owner over the loudspeaker.
- Make sure you, or someone else, stays with the dog. Monitor their condition. If they get worse be prepared to call 999.
- You can call our cruelty line for advice on 0300 1234 999. But if a dog is in danger, dialing 999 should be your first step.
Top tips for dog owners in hot weather
Here are some steps you can take to ensure your dog stays cool during the summer months, according to the RSPCA:
- Never leave dogs in hot cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans on a warm day (even if only for a short while). When it is 22°C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C (117°F) in these environments, which can be fatal.
- Use pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your pet's skin, such as the tips of their ears and nose, to avoid sunburn. This is especially important if your dog has white or light-coloured fur, as they can be very vulnerable to getting burnt. If you are unsure which is the right product to use, please ask your vet.
- Ensure pets always have access to shade and fresh drinking water to help keep them cool.
- Check every day for flystrike - a painful condition caused by flies laying their eggs on another animal - as this can be fatal.
- Put ice cubes into your dog's water bowl or make some tasty ice cube treats. You could also freeze a kong with treats and water.
- Give your pet damp towels to lie on (never place a damp towel over your dog as this can trap in heat) or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Both simple methods could provide welcome relief from the heat
- If you are planning a day out with your dog, check before leaving home whether dogs are allowed. If they are not, arrange a pet-sitter or choose another, dog-friendly attraction.
- Groom them regularly - regular grooming in warmer weather can help brush away any dead or excess hair, leaving your dog with a less dense coat - much better for staying cool.
- Dogs may also appreciate a paddling pool to splash around in, although not all dogs like water, so there's no need to force them if they don't want to.
