With temperatures set to soar above 20C this weekend, the RSPCA has issued advice to pet owners in the Burnham-On-Sea area to ensure their animals are comfortable and happy in the heat.
The Met Office has predicted highs of over 20C on Saturday and Sunday, prompting the RSPCA to remind pet owners to consider their animals.
Every year the RSPCA receives thousands of reports of animals suffering from heat exposure, particularly where dogs have been left in hot cars.
“It’s important to remember not to leave any animal in a car or caravan, or in a conservatory or outbuilding, where temperatures can quickly rise to 47C which can result in death,” said RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes.
Last month, Anthony left a thermometer in his van in 15C heat and left it for an hour to see what temperature it would reach inside his vehicle. Within just 60 minutes, the temperature had climbed to 43.5C.
Anthony added: “In an emergency, it is best to dial 999 and report a dog in a hot car to police. The RSPCA may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, we’d need police assistance at such an incident.”
“If the animal is displaying any sign of heatstroke – such as panting heavily, drooling excessively, is lethargic or uncoordinated, or collapsed and vomiting – call 999 immediately.”
“If the situation becomes critical and police can’t attend, many people’s instinct is to break into the car to free the dog. But please be aware that, without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage. Make sure you tell the police of your intentions and take photos or footage of the dog as well as names and numbers of witnesses. The law states that you have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances.”
