| Case ID: 10565 |
| Classification: Neglect / Abandonment |
| Animal: dog (non pit-bull) |
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Saturday, Jan 13, 2007
Disposition: Not Charged
Abuser names unreleased
Taumarunui SPCA workers were forced to open a car door and release a dehydrated dog last week.
The problem has forced the SPCA officers to release a stern warning about leaving animals in cars during the day.
SPCA inspector Wendy Ward says a worker discovered the dog overheating in a car on the main street and took steps to release it.
Although temperatures outside weren't as hot for this time of year, inspectors say inside the car was like an oven for the poor pooch who was panting hard and starting to show signs of distress.
It is a timely reminder as our temperatures rise, says Mrs Ward.
"It only takes around 15 minutes or so for a dog to die or become so seriously ill it can't recover."
She says many people leave the window down a little bit but really this isn't enough.
"People also need to know that SPCA inspectors are legally allowed to force their way into a vehicle if they think an animal is suffering or looks like it's dying from heat exhaustion, and the SPCA is not liable for any damage done to the vehicle in those circumstances."
Official research from the SPCA shows that on a hot summer day a car heats up very quickly.
On a 30 degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows slightly open will reach 39 degrees in 10 minutes, even in the shade.
In 30 minutes it will go up to 49 degrees and on hotter days it will go up even higher.
Research also shows a dog's normal body temperature is about 39 degrees and can withstand a body temperature of 42 for only a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage or even death.
Officials say a closed car, even with the windows slightly open, interferes with the dog's normal cooling process - evaporation through panting.
References
- Stuff.Co.Nz - Jan 18, 2007
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