It's hot out there & Police are responding to increasing calls, from members of the public with concerns for dogs locked in cars. 

Keep your dog safe this summer by not leaving them in hot cars. Even if the window is open, it's still very dangerous!

If you see a dog in distress in a car, try to find the owner. If you can't and the dog is suffering from heatstroke, call 999. 

Signs of heatstroke include panting heavily, drooling excessively, lethargy, drowsy, un-coordinated, collapsed or vomiting. 

Please do not force entry into the vehicle in the first instance. If the Police don't have time to get there, then you have to decide if you should take action. Make sure you tell the Police what you intend to do and why. Where possible, take photos or videos of the dog, as well as names and numbers of any other witnesses.  Don't force entry, unless you are certain that you have the legal grounds to do so and are prepared to defend your actions in court, should any legal action be taken against you. 

You can read what the law states around this topic on our website. 

https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact/ask-ned/question/ec07135c-0e49-e611-9c3e-a0369f5f0dfb 

More information is available at www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dog/health/dogsinhotcars