“It takes less than 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to become dangerously hot, putting your beloved pet’s life at risk. Even with the windows slightly open, a parked car can quickly become a death trap,” HAWS warned this week.
This follows several reports over the past two weeks from concerned Hartbeespoort residents who raised the alarm about animals seemingly in distress after being locked inside cars in shopping centre parking lots.
A vehicle can heat up rapidly in hot weather, reaching dangerous temperatures even when parked in the shade or with its windows slightly open. Animals trapped inside can suffer heatstroke, organ damage and, in severe cases, death.
Dogs are particularly vulnerable because they rely mainly on panting to regulate their body temperature. In a hot, enclosed vehicle, this cooling mechanism can quickly become ineffective.
Pet owners are urged not to take chances by leaving their animals in cars while running errands. Even a brief stop can put an animal’s life at risk.
Members of the public who see an animal trapped in a vehicle should try to locate the owner immediately by alerting nearby shops or security personnel. If the owner cannot be found, they should contact HAWS or the police for assistance.
Warning signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, weakness, vomiting and loss of coordination. An animal showing these symptoms requires urgent veterinary attention.
Pet owners are also reminded to ensure their animals have access to fresh water, shade and a cool, well-ventilated environment during periods of extreme heat.
With several incidents already reported to HAWS, residents are urged to consider their pets’ safety before taking them along on shopping trips or other errands.
