Irate police officers had to smash a car window to get to a dog trapped inside the vehicle. The incident took place today on what is the hottest day of the year so far.
The pet was rescued in north west London this morning when temperatures had already reached 31.5C and were steadily increasing. Barnet MPS tweeted: "Unbelievably, our officers have just had to smash the window of a vehicle to get a dog out at the RAF museum Hendon. 31.5 degrees! JUST DON'T TAKE DOGS OUT IN THIS HEAT."
The incident comes just four days after police in the south west London freed two muzzled dogs left in a hot car for over an hour with the window open by less than an inch, reports the Mirror. Kew Police wrote on social media: "Unbelievable end to the shift.
Read more: How to protect cats from heat stroke and dehydration during the heatwave
"Leave your dogs in a hot car, less than an inch of gap, no water, muzzled, for over an hour and you better know we are going to be smashing that window.
"Absolutely heartbreaking. Thankfully dog's now fine. Owner to be interviewed under caution."
Temperatures soared into the high 30s in some areas today, while Tuesday could be even hotter, with the mercury possibly tipping 40C in some parts of the UK. The extreme temperatures have forced the UK Health Security Agency to issue a level 4 heat-health alert - described as an "emergency" - while the Met Office has issued the UK's first red extreme heat warning for a large part of England until the end of Tuesday.
The record-breaking temperatures led the RSPCA to warn pet owners not to leave their animals in cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans, even for a short while. If it is just 22C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47C in these environments.
The charity advises anyone who sees a dog in a hot car to firstly assess the animal's condition, and to dial 999 immediately if it is showing any signs of heatstroke. It said: "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 are sure you need to save the dog, then you should tell police what you intend to do and why. People are also urged to take photos and videos of the dog, alongside taking the contact details of any witnesses nearby.
Dog owners are also being advised against walking their pets in the hot weather, as they are less able to cope than humans in the heat. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home suggests a gentle walk very early or late in the evening, when the temperature has significantly reduced.
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