Is it illegal to leave your dog in a hot car? UK law explained as temperatures soar

Parts of the UK are expected to be hotter than southern Europe on Sunday, with forecasters predicting temperatures to go into the 30s this weekend.
By the weekend, most places will reach temperatures above the heatwave threshold – which varies depending on where you are in the country.
In London – where the threshold is 28C – temperatures could peak at 29C on Thursday and 31C on Friday, before hitting 32C on Saturday.
The hot weather will then spread further north, with Manchester and Newcastle enjoying temperatures into the late 20s by the weekend, the Met Office says.
Several places are expected to exceed 30C on Saturday, the Met Office says, in what will be the hottest temperatures of the year so far.
And while many people will be looking forward to basking in the sunshine, there are some potential dangers to be wary of in such hot weather.
The Dogs Trust charity has issued a warning that there is 'no safe amount of time to leave dogs in hot cars', warning that "even a few minutes could prove fatal".
It's a risk that, sadly, too many people take with their pets, but why is it so dangerous, and where does the law stand on it? Yahoo News explains...
Unlike humans, dogs struggle to cool themselves down effectively, said Charlie Dobson, senior vet at Dogs Trust.
This, he said, means "they're much more vulnerable in high temperatures, especially during exercise or when left in a vehicle".
As dogs cannot regulate their body heat in the same way humans can, they can overheat at all temperatures, the Dogs Trust said, and if they cannot sufficiently cool down by panting, they may suffer a potentially fatal heatstroke.
Heatstroke can affect any type of dog, but certain breeds and types of dogs are at increased risk, the charity added.
These include brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs, as well as older dogs, overweight dogs and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include panting heavily, drooling excessively, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting or diarrhoea and collapsing. If your dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call your nearest vet immediately.
Exercising your dog in hot weather also puts them at risk, the Dogs Trust said, adding that even short walks in the heat should be avoided.
'The good news is that these risks are avoidable," Dobson said.
"Walking your dog during the cooler times of day, keeping their activity levels lower, ensuring they have a shady spot to rest, and providing constant access to fresh water can all help keep them safe.
'And above all, never leave your dog alone in a hot car — not even for a few minutes. Even with the windows cracked open, it simply isn't safe to leave a dog in the car at any time in this heat."
While it is not specifically illegal to leave a dog in a hot car, owners are legally responsible for their pet's health and welfare, according to the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) charity.
If a dog became ill or died due to being left in a hot car, the owner could be charged with the offence of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
This could lead to a prison sentence of up to 12 months, or a fine of up to £20,000.
The RSPCA said bystanders should assess the dog's condition, and dial 999 at once if they show any signs of heatstroke.
"Don't be afraid to dial 999," the charity said, warning that in an emergency, the RSPCA may not be able to get there quickly enough, and that it doesn't have the same powers of entry that police have.
Within minutes, a dog could die in a hot car ⚠️ Please keep your pooches safe and never leave them in a warm car 🚗[Image description: An infographic warning that dogs die in hot cars. It includes advice to call 999 immediately if you see a dog in distress in a hot car.] pic.twitter.com/04x9fuoUut
— Dogs Trust 💛🐶 (@DogsTrust) June 26, 2024
"If the dog's condition is critical, and the police haven't arrived yet, your instinct will be to break into the car to free them.
"But please be aware that this could be classed as criminal damage. You may need to defend your actions in court, so please be sure you're doing the right thing.
"Legally, you can commit damage if you believe the car owner would consent to it if they knew the dog was in danger."
If you are sure that you need to free the dog by force, the RSPCA advises telling the police what you intend to do and why.
Take photos and videos of the dog and take names and telephone numbers of any witnesses, the charity added.
The Dogs Trust has issued some words of advice on how to keep your dog safe during hot spells:
Avoid walking or doing activities either indoors or outdoors with your dog at the hottest times of the day. Early morning or later in the evening is often best.
Always take plenty of water with you when out with your dog and make sure they have access to fresh water at home at all times.
Tarmac can get very hot in the sun – check it with your hand before letting your dog walk on it so they don't burn their paws.
If you cannot avoid taking your dog out in the car on a hot day, even if travelling a short distance, avoid travelling during the hottest times of the day.
Use a cooling mat or wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel for your pet to lie on.
Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly from pet-friendly ingredients.
Don't let your pet get sunburnt - use pet-safe sun cream.
Read more
How long will UK's heatwave last and how hot will it get? (The Independent)
Ten top tips for sleeping well during a heatwave (The London Standard)
Recycle glass bottles to avoid starting blaze, fire chiefs warn (The Telegraph)

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