A large dog has been rescued from a dangerously hot car in Swindon this morning, prompting police to issue a stark warning to pet owners amid rising summer temperatures.
Officers were called to Stirling Road in South Marston just before 8.30am, after a concerned member of the public spotted the dog in distress inside a vehicle. The animal, now safely in kennels, was seized by Wiltshire Police and is being cared for.
PC Paul Croft, Dog Legislation Officer, confirmed: “Leaving a dog in a car on a day like today could be fatal. We’ve taken the dog into our care and are ensuring it is looked after properly. The owner has been identified and will be interviewed under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for causing unnecessary suffering.”
As the region braces for several days of scorching temperatures, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks posed to animals left in confined vehicles. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar rapidly – and dogs can suffer heatstroke or worse in a matter of minutes.
PC Croft added: “We want to remind the public that the inside of a car can become far hotter than the outside air. Even if it doesn’t feel particularly warm to you, the conditions in a car can become unbearable for an animal very quickly.”
He also warned against taking matters into your own hands: “If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call 999 immediately. Do not attempt to break into the vehicle yourself – while your intentions might be good, you could be committing an offence.”
This morning’s swift response and the public’s vigilance may well have saved a life – but the message remains clear: dogs should never be left alone in cars during hot weather, not even for a short time.
