March 28, 2005
Police smash vehicle’s windows to release traumatised dog
Horrified Police officers in Burnham-On-Sea had to smash the window of a vehicle to free a traumatised dog that had been left inside for over three hours with no ventilation in soaring temperatures.
As condensation streamed down the windows of the vehicle and the Old English Sheepdog became more desperate, a member of the public alerted the town’s police who came to the rescue.
Its owners had left him alone in their Vauxhall 4×4 in a car park at Somerfields supermarket on Saturday (March 26) while walking off to enjoy the Spring weather.
Eyewitness Pete Emery told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The dog was panting heavily and was clearly in a lot of distress. He had apparently been left in the car for several hours on what was a very hot day.
He added: “Condensation was running down the windows and there didn’t seem to be any ventilation for the dog whatsoever.
“It was harrowing to watch. When the police smashed the window and released him, he didn’t want to get into the police car. He clearly was traumatised by the whole situation.”
The incident was watched by a large crowd of onlookers in the car park who gathered around the vehicle to see the animal released. After being given a cool drink, the dog was taken away in a police car.
Photographs courtesy of Pete Emery.
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Avon and Somerset Constabulary
