Moment police rescue distressed Shih Tzu locked in sweltering car

Andy Wells

Watch: Police smash into locked car to rescue dog during 33C temperatures

This is the shocking moment police were forced to smash the window of a sweltering car after a distressed dog collapsed after being left inside.

The Shih Tzu was left in the car at the Wilkinson Street park and ride in Nottingham on Monday afternoon.

Police bodycam footage shows the moment officers smash the window of the car and haul the dog to safety.

It was given water and rushed to an animal hospital where his temperature was recorded at 39.1C.

Police bodycam footage shows officers smash the window of the car and haul the dog to safety. (SWNS)
Police bodycam footage shows officers smash the window of the car and haul the dog to safety. (SWNS)

Thankfully, the dog is making a good recovery and the owner is set to be quizzed by police with the case referred to the RSPCA.

PC Jamie Martin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said the dog would probably have died had staff at NET Nottingham Tram not alerted them to the incident.

He added: "Many people think it's OK to leave their dog in the car on a warm day providing the windows are open.

“But this incident shows that just simply isn’t the case. Put simply, you should never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day.

The desperate Shih Tzu was left in the car at the Wilkinson Street park and ride in Nottingham on Monday afternoon. (SWNS)
The desperate Shih Tzu was left in the car at the Wilkinson Street park and ride in Nottingham on Monday afternoon. (SWNS)
The dog was given water and rushed to an animal hospital where his temperature was recorded at 39.1C. (SWNS)
The dog was given water and rushed to an animal hospital where his temperature was recorded at 39.1C. (SWNS)

“Whilst it is not illegal to leave a dog in a hot car, owners are legally responsible for their pet’s health and welfare.”

Owners could be charged with the offence of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 if a dog becomes ill or dies due to being left in a hot car.

Offenders could face a fine or even a prison sentence.

According to the RSPCA, cars can become as hot as an oven, even when the weather doesn't feel that warm.

Nottinghamshire Police said the dog would probably have died had staff at NET Nottingham Tram not alerted them to the incident. (SWNS)
Nottinghamshire Police said the dog would probably have died had staff at NET Nottingham Tram not alerted them to the incident. (SWNS)

The charity says that when it's 22C outside, the car could reach 47C within an hour.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "As sweltering temperatures continue, it's more important than ever to spread the message that dogs die in hot cars.

"Many people think it will be fine just to leave their pets for a short period of time, but not long is too long. Temperatures can soar to dangerous levels so quickly - and that can put dogs in serious danger.

"If someone sees a dog in distress in a hot car, we urge them to dial 999. It's really positive to see forces like Nottinghamshire Police, and others across England and Wales, taking action when dogs need their help in these potentially fatal situations."

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