Gold Coast police are investigating after a dog was rescued from a hot vehicle at Coolangatta yesterday afternoon, December 8.
Police were called just after 2.30pm by a concerned member of the public, who observed the Miniature Daschund distressed in the back of a Volkswagen Jetta for at least an hour on Marine Parade, with the windows only slightly ajar.
Coolangatta Police attended and observed the vehicle parked in the sun with temperatures outside exceeding 27-degrees with high humidity, and Duppy the sausage dog in the back seat with no water.
Police were able to reach through the small gap in the window to manoeuvre Duppy out of the vehicle to safety.
An uncapped syringe was also observed in the vehicle.
While police were attending to Duppy and providing him water, the alleged driver of the vehicle returned and was taken into custody.
The 38-year-old Tweed Heads man, who was looking after Duppy for his owner, was charged with fail to take reasonable care and precautions in respect of syringe or needle.
He is expected to appear at Coolangatta Magistrates Court on 20 January 2025.
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
Duppy was cared for by Coolangatta police and returned safely to his owner.
Police are reminding motorists that in hot weather, the inside of a car can quickly double the external temperature, and cause significant health implications for any person or animal inside the vehicle.
Information on what to do if you observe a pet in a hot vehicle is available on the RSPCA Queensland webpage.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
