Don’t leave dogs in the car this summer

Published on 19 December 2018

People are being reminded not to leave their dogs in the car this summer with Council’s Enforcement staff keeping an eye out as they make way around the Byron Shire. 

Many people take their dogs travelling with them and some leave them in the car when they go to shops but this could have terrible results.

Shannon Burt, Council’s Director Sustainable Environment and Economy, said people often think that leaving their pets in the car is ok because they won’t be long.

“The RSPCA estimates that on a hot day it can take as little as six minutes for a dog to die in a hot car.

“Many people under estimate how quickly a car heats up, even if the windows are down and it is parked in the shade.,” Ms Burt said.

“Sadly every year our staff find dogs locked in cars with the windows up and the animals are extremely distressed,” Ms Burt said.

If people see an animal locked in a car call the police and the RSPCA immediately.  It is not an offence to lock an animal in a car but to allow a dog to get distressed by the heat is an act of cruelty which can be investigated by the RSPCA.

For more information go to www.rspcansw.org.au.