While the people of WA dust off their thongs and hats, ready for a week of early summer, RSPCA WA is urging people to consider the comfort and safety of their pets too.
With temperatures forecast to reach the mid-to-high thirties across Perth, and similarly hot conditions across much of the state, the RSPCA is reminding dog owners the temperature in a parked car can quickly climb to double the outside temperature and kill a dog in just six minutes.
Even when the temperature outside is a mild 22C, the temperature inside a parked car can rise to over 47C.
Dogs in these conditions can suffer an agonising death.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said there were 236 reports of dogs left in cars from November to April.
"I'm concerned with this week's temperatures we'll see a jump in numbers again and dogs will suffer, perhaps even die," she said.
"Our message is simple – if you love your dog, leave them at home. A quick visit to the shops could cost your dog their life. Don't put your best friend's life at risk."
Similarly, warmer weather brings reports of people walking their dogs in the heat of the day, risking burned paw and respiratory distress.
"Protect your hound and check the ground before a walk. Check the surface temperature by placing your palm down on the ground. If you can't comfortably hold it there for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's sensitive paws and may cause injury.
"In hot weather, walk your dogs in the cool of the early morning, or wait until the evening."
If you see a dog in a hot car:
- Identify signs of heatstroke.
- 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.
- If you're at a shopping centre, ask the centre management to page the owner of the vehicle.
- Keep an eye on the dog until help arrives but maintain a suitable distance to ensure you don't agitate them, which could cause further distress, making the dog even hotter.
- Gather as much evidence as possible (vehicle details, time and date, photos of the dog in the vehicle).
RSPCA WA is reminding people that a charge of animal cruelty carries a maximum penalty of 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 online here.
