Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
IT was hotter than expected when I met Orlando in an exercise compound at Dogs Trust. He could not wait to find a shady area and lie down. Typical greyhound – he just wants to have a bit of exercise and then rest up, preferably on a comfy sofa.
Orlando loves cuddles and likes to lean into people. He is friendly and would suit a first-time owner.
As an ex-racing greyhound, he has probably not lived in a home before, so if you would like to show this handsome boy the joys of home life, he is waiting for you at Dogs Trust, Harvil Road, Harefield.
It can also be hotter than expected in a car, caravan or conservatory.
It is five years since two police dogs died in a hot car in Kent, but such a horrific story is unforgettable.
The Dogs Trust says that almost half of us (48 per cent) mistakenly believe it is alright to leave a dog in a car if counter-measures are taken, such as leaving a window open or parking in the shade – but it is not alright.
It can take less than twenty minutes for a dog to die in a hot car.
According to The Dogs Trust, Britons are more likely to leave their dog alone in a car for a few minutes (28 per cent) than their phone (10 per cent).
The RSPCA advise that if we see a dog alone in a car on a warm day, not to be afraid to dial 999.
If the dog is not displaying signs of heatstroke (signs such as panting heavily, drooling excessively),they advise that actions to take include dialling the RSPCA cruelty line for advice on 0300 1234 999, asking local shops to make announcements to alert the owner and, if possible, ensuring someone continuously monitors the dog’s condition.
If the dog is displaying signs of heatstroke, the RSPCA advise to dial 999.
If the situation becomes critical and the police cannot attend immediately, many people’s instinct would be to break into the car to free the dog.
The RSPCA say that if we do this, without proper justification, it could be classed as criminal damage and we may need to defend our actions in court.
We should make sure we tell the police what we intend to do, why and take images of the dog and the names and numbers of witnesses.