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RSPCA has issued a warning to Perth pet owners as the summer weather starts to warm up the city.
Owners are urged to consider the comfort and safety of their pets with temperatures forecast to reach mid-to-high thirties across Perth next week.
Residents are reminded that the temperature in a parked car can quickly climb to double the outside temperature and can kill a dog in just six minutes.
A pooch can suffer an agonising death even in mild temperatures. For example, on a 22C day, the temperature in a parked car can rise to over 47C.
There were 236 reports of dogs left in cars from November to April, according to RSPCA WA Inspector Kylie Green.
“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, those walking their dogs in the heat risk burning their paws and getting into 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,” Ms Green said.
“In hot weather, walk your dogs in the cool of the early morning, or wait until the evening.”
RSPCA WA has reminded people that a charge of animal cruelty carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a $50,000 fine.
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.
4. 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.
5. Gather as much evidence as possible (vehicle details, time and date, photos of the dog in the vehicle).
Report cruelty 24/7 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or online here.