Hot Bank Holiday weekend sparks hundreds of calls about dogs in cars

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Across the Midlands, 37 calls were made to the RSPCA. Credit: RSPCA

The RSPCA received 217 calls about dogs locked in hot cars across England over the Bank Holiday weekend - around three calls every hour.

In the East Midlands alone, 21 calls were made.

While 16 calls were made in the West Midlands.

This is despite reminding people about the dangers of leaving dogs in cars, where temperatures can quickly rise.

These heat exposure calls can include dogs outside who are suffering from the heat, or dogs in conservatories or caravans but the majority of these incidents are dogs in hot cars.

What to do if you see a dog in a car on a hot day:

In an emergency, you should call 999 to report a dog in a hot car to the police. The RSPCA may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, they would need police assistance

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 cannot attend, many people's instinct is to break into the car to free the dog. Be aware that this can be classed as criminal damage.

Once removed from the car, move the dog to a shaded/cool area and pour small amounts of cool water over their body. Take them to the vet as soon as possible.

For more information on what to do if you see a dog in a hot car, please visit the RSPCA website.

Credit: RSPCA

Number of calls made to RSPCA about dogs in hot environments from Saturday 5 May to Monday 7 May:

East Midlands:

  • Derbyshire - 8

  • Lincolnshire - 6

  • Leicestershire - 2

  • Northamptonshire - 2

  • Nottinghamshire - 2

  • Rutland - 1

  • TOTAL: 21

West Midlands:

  • Staffordshire - 5

  • West Midlands County - 5

  • Shropshire- 2

  • Warwickshire - 2

  • Worcestershire - 2

  • Herefordshire - 0

  • TOTAL: 16