It shouldn't need to be said, but remember in this hot weather, don't leave your dogs (or children) in unventilated cars.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-13932187

Only idiots would do that and idiots should not be allowed to have dogs.

It was pure thoughtlessness rather than idiocy that led to this tragedy. The devastated officer concerned has made a suicide attempt.

AGAIN????!!!!!

Didnt something similar happen in Manchester last year? ARGHHHH!

I think this is the second time this guy does something like that...hopefully he will face charges...can't believe he is a professional dog trainer!

It is unfortunate that laws protect the rights of the 'simple' (rather than prevent them from doing the wrong thing in the first place)

This being said - I'm also against an 'over regulated' society', but firmly believe that it's not out of the question to at least make things 'difficult' for people who shouldn't have them...... lazy and stupid people just wouldn't bother then.

The consequenses for such actions just are also not severe enough.

Poor dogs...... what a horrible way to go

Reviving this thread as a public service announcement.

I know it's only the beginning of May, but as I was leaving Migros this afternoon, sure enough, right there in the parking lot:

1. Car parked in the sun.
2. Dog in car
3. Dog under duress

It doesn't have to be an overly hot day for it to get overly hot inside of a car, even with the windows "cracked to let air in", it's still not safe for dogs to be left in cars, especially when they're parked directly in the sun.

Good reminder, KF. It was a scorcher in the sun today... my car (sans mutts) felt like an oven - and it was only around 20 degrees.


And if I may add my dog/car rant for the day:



Dear Owner of the adorable little 3-4 month old terrier puppy,

It's great that you are teaching your pup off-lead recall, never too early to start training.

However, might I suggest that a busy car parking lot is perhaps not the best place to do so? Your tiny pup is far too small to be seen by a driver backing up. And if I may be so bold - calling your pup from across a busy street also might not be the best way to introduce the concept of distance stays and recall.

And I realize that a good mental work-out tires a young pup like nothing else, but leaving him to sleep off his near death experience training session in the hot car really isn't on.

Oh, and by the way - the parking lot is signed 'dogs on lead.'

Thank you,

MC

I've been known to take instant custody of pups placed in danger like that. Gosh darn it.

And by the way.... a very good book to read... http://www.adogspurpose.com/
Includes a pivotal main character getting broken out of a hot car while the bastard (temporary) owner is getting drunk in a bar.

The sequel "A Dog's Journey" is coming out this month.

Since my beloved Libby as stolen from my car (in Ireland) last year, I've been very careful about leaving her there in any weather.

Has anyone ever heard about dogs being stolen from the car/in front of a shop here in Switzerland?

I want to get an idea of how safe it is to leave Libby outside a shop.

Many thanks!

Hi,

I don't know of any specific stories but as ever you hear the occasional rumour. I believe there are cases of dog theft from members on EF if you do a search.

Personally I do not like to leave my dogs in the car unless I am closeby, say at a training class, and I definately wouldn't leave them outside a shop. I believe they would be well behaved but there is that risk that they are taken or worse taunted by children. It may never happen but would you leave it to chance? I certainly wouldn't be able to live with myself if my beloved friend was taken from me this way.

DHD is absolutely correct - please don't leave your dog tied up in front of a shop. While this used to be a common thing to do here - hence the tie-outs - the world in which one could safely do that is disappearing.

The worry is more frequently that a passer-by would hurt the dog. There are unfriendly folks who think nothing of hitting a dog left unattended. (Or attended, for that matter.)

Another worry is that someone might tease the dog, get him riled up - and then the dog reacts. Or, a child might come up to the dog to pet him and inadvertently scare him - and the dog reacts.

Even the friendliest, most tolerant dog can react when cornered with no means of escape (which is what a tie-out is.)

That a dog is provoked, harmed or mistreated is only a limited defense - if your dog reacts, you and your dog will be held responsible. That could be a very high price to pay for the convenience of nipping into the shop - especially for your dog.

Please never leave your dog unattended. We owners are responsible for our dogs at all times.

And as for dogs in cars - the biggest worry is heat exhaustion. It goes without saying that one should never, ever leave a dog in a car on a hot day. Even a mild 15-20 degree day could mean that a closed car turns into an oven. Heat exhaustion kills quickly.

Last year I saw a few dogs in cars and it drove me nuts!! What do we do in this situation? Leave a note? Call the cops? My french skills would not be able to get the job done in french.

Good question. Last Christmas someone had left their Labrador in the car whilst shopping at Glatt (how responsible!) The dog was so distressed, whining, howling and barking. Labradors rarely exhibit this behaviour except when totally distressed.

I didn't know what to do. My OH had to drag me away from the vehicle as I threatened to stay there all night and wait for the owner. My German is pretty crap but I am sure the English would have gotten through. In the UK I would have called ther RSPCA but I dont know what is available here?

See post 18 in this thread for a case study from Tier Im Recht Transparent:

Dogs in Cars

Bottom line: Always try to reach the owner first. If that is not possible, call the fire department or police. If that fails, and the only way to save an animal in obvious imminent mortal danger is to break into the car, get a witness to coraborate your story. Be aware of the consequences. (But good on ya' for helping the animal.)

Thanks....that will teach me for dipping in and out of threads

Meloncollie, that is such sound advice!

Thank you!

No need to blush, two different threads, just the same title.

Oh right...the mods have allowed this !!!