Distressed dogs in cars - the law

Dogs die in hot cars

"There is a dog in a vehicle that appears hot and distressed, what should I do?"

Rochdale Police advise...

It depends on the level of distress. It is not advisable to force entry to the vehicle yourself. Your first step should be to call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 to inform them of the details, namely the condition of the dog, the registration number and location of the car. A dog warden service may also be able to help. They should despatch an Inspector/Warden to deal with the situation if s/he can. S/he will call the police if it is necessary to break into the car.

If the matter is getting near life or death for the animal, call the police directly and ask for an estimated time of arrival. If the police don't have time to get there, then you have to decide if you should take action. The law states that you have a lawful excuse to commit damage if:

'At the time of the act or acts alleged to constitute the offence you believe that the person or persons whom you believe to be entitled to consent to the destruction of, or damage to, the property in question...would so consent to it if s/he...had known of the destruction or damage and its circumstances' (Section 5(2)(a) Criminal Damage Act 1971).

(This legal reference is slightly modified for clarity)

*DO NOT DO THIS UNLESS CERTAIN OF YOUR GROUND AND ARE PREPARED TO DEFEND YOUR ACTIONS AT COURT