RSPCA WA urges pet owners to stop leaving dogs in hot cars after influx of reports

RSPCA WA is urging people to leave their dogs at home and not in their cars especially during this weeks heat wave.

It comes following an influx of reports over the weekend where dogs were left in cars while their owners went to the shops, for a swim or to work out.

RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said they received 11 reports in the space of three days which is concerning.

“We received reports about dogs being left in cars at shopping centres in Midland, Brabham, and Greenfields, as well as a gym in South Lake, a sporting centre in Withers, and by the beach at Woodman Point,” Ms Green said. 

“These dogs were left in cars for between 15 minutes and up to two hours on hot days with reported temperatures ranging between 23 and 38 degrees. 

“I am really pleased that most people who reported these instances to us also either sought out the shopping centre management. 

“We can definitely see people are staying vigilant and reporting dogs being left in cars on hot days and taking appropriate action where needed. 

“However, I am saddened by the continued poor decision making of some dog owners who put their pets at risk by leaving them in parked cars. 

“There is never a good reason to confine your dog in a car so you can pop into the shops or go for a dive at the beach. Plan ahead and if it looks like your day might involve an activity which you can’t involve your dog in then please leave them safely at home. 

“The facts couldn’t be more simple. Dogs cool down by breathing in air, not by sweating like us, so they cannot be confined in a vehicle on a hot day, or even a mild day, or they will begin to fall victim to heat stress. 

“Even the shortest spells can leave them with heatstroke or permanent organ damage. 

“Your dog could die in a parked car in just six minutes.” 

Pet owners are reminded to ensure their pet is left indoors with the aircon on if possible, otherwise, to ensure their pet has access to adequate shade, two sources of water, and is not tethered or confined in an area which gets sun exposure. 

If you see a dog in a hot car: 

1. Identify signs of heatstroke 

2. Note down the vehicle's registration number and location and report it immediately to the RSPCA Cruelty Hotline on 1300 278 358 (1300 CRUELTY) or call WA Police on 131 444. 

3. If you're at a shopping centre, ask the centre management to page the owner of the vehicle by reading out the registration details. 

4. Keep an eye on the dog until help arrives but maintain a suitable distance to ensure you don't agitate the dog, which could cause further distress, making the dog even hotter. 

5. Gather as much evidence as possible (vehicle details, time and date, photos of the dog in the vehicle). 

RSPCA WA is reminding people that it’s an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 to cause unnecessary harm to an animal. 

Offenders can be prosecuted and face up to five years in prison and a $50,000 fine. 

The RSPCA relies on the community to report incidents of suspected cruelty and neglect. Report cruelty 24/7 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at online.