An Epsom woman is taking a stand against dog owners who leave their pets in warm cars as part of the RSPCA’s national campaign, ‘Dogs die in hot cars’.
Self proclaimed ardent animal lover, Joan Eggleton, has made a small display outside her home of a lifelike toy dog in an Early Learning plastic car, situated on the corner of Pound Lane and Hook Road, to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving pets in warm vehicles.
Miss Eggleton said: "A dog is not able to lose heat as we do, by sweating.
"They need to pant, which after a while, becomes impossible in a hot car.
"They then suffer from heat stroke, and if not found in time, die very quickly.
"Dogs also lose some heat through their feet, made difficult in a hot car with all its upholstery."
The national campaign is targeting supermarkets, an area where dog owners are too often unaware that leaving their pets ‘for a moment’ on warm days can lead to animals suffering severe dehydration, heat stroke and even death.
Dog owners should be aware that even on dull days, the temperature in cars can rise, despite being parked in the shade with windows cracked open.
Miss Eggleton stressed that despite there being many people who were unaware of the implications of leaving pets in warm cars, there are many repeat offenders, and hopes that her input for the campaign will make more people aware of this "irresponsible practice".
For more information on the campaign and what to do if you see a dog in need, visit the RSPCA website.
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