The Dogs Die in Hot Cars education campaign was launched at Jubilee Park in Glebe on January 28. Not leaving dogs unattended in motor vehicles may seem like common sense but the statistics are alarming, especially so with regard to the City of Sydney local council area.
The key findings of the RSPCA NSW, based on data gathered throughout the state between 2008 and 2013, report 466 complaints about animals locked in vehicles (94 per cent in relation to dogs), with the City of Sydney the local council area with the most cases – 21 complaints.
“It’s not that Sydneysiders are especially careless or cruel”, said RSPCA NSW spokesperson Lukas Picton, “it’s just that Sydney is the city with the highest population.”
Jennifer Fishburn, who enjoys time in the park with her dog Nash, thinks it may also have to do with the popularity of dog ownership in Sydney. “There are so many great parks, the Council has done so much for dogs in the city. I wouldn’t have Nash if I didn’t live here so close to the park.”
RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman explained that on a typical summer’s day of 28 degrees Celsius the temperature inside a locked car can reach 50 degrees within six to ten minutes. “A dog cannot survive this,” he said.
“The onset of heat stroke is marked by excessive panting, increased salivation, the production of thick, white saliva and red or pale gums,” Mr Coleman said. “If not alleviated, or the dog removed from the hot environment, additional symptoms can include depression, weakness, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhoea, convulsing, internal haemorrhages and organ failure. Death can occur quickly, or may follow hours or up to two days later.”
Dogs don’t sweat, except to a minor degree through their foot pads, so they can’t tolerate high temperatures. Dogs use panting as a way to exchange warm air for cool air. But when the air temperature is close to the dog’s body temperature (about 38-39 degrees), cooling by panting is not an efficient process. This is when heat stroke can occur.
Mr Coleman continued: “It’s so important for owners to consider the needs of their dogs, whether they are planning to go shopping or to the beach, or whatever. If dogs are not allowed at the beach, for example, make another plan for the day. Never leave an animal in a car, not even with the windows down and not even if you think it’s just for a short time.”
Tara Honeyman is Companion Animals Liaison Officer with the City of Sydney. She is proud of the City’s support of responsible pet ownership, citing the free six-week dog obedience courses offered quarterly in various city parks, as well as free microchipping and desexing services. “When the City was approached by the RSPCA about this campaign we were very keen to help. We’ll help distribute the Dogs Die in Hot Cars information cards and direct people to support the RSPCA’s online pledge.”
Mr Picton said the campaign pledge at justsixminutes.com.au entails a serious challenge to Sydneysiders. “We’re hoping that 20,000 people will pledge to never leave their animals unattended or locked in a vehicle. We hope this will have a positive impact on public awareness and that the statistics will begin to decline.”
Those who take the pledge will receive a free bumper sticker and key-ring to show their support for the campaign.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, there are serious fines and even prison sentences for people if their pets suffer heat stress from being locked in a hot car. If an animal suffers as a result of being left in a car, the maximum penalty is $5,500 and can carry a six-month prison sentence. If an animal dies as a result of being left in a car, the maximum penalty is $22,000 and can carry a two-year prison sentence.
