Summer has arrived, and some Australian motorists still aren’t getting the message to not leave animals or children in vehicles when temperatures are high.
On December 8, Gold Coast police officers received reports of a miniature dachshund which had been left in the back of a Volkswagen Jetta in Coolangatta for at least an hour and which was acting distressed.
Though the car’s windows were slightly ajar, the vehicle was parked in direct sunlight with ambient temperatures exceeding 27 degrees, and high humidity. The dog also had no access to water.
Police were fortunately able to manoeuvre Duppy the dachshund out of a gap in the rear window, subsequently providing water to the parched pooch.
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An uncapped syringe was also allegedly observed in the vehicle.
The vehicle’s owner – a 38-year-old man who claimed to be looking after Duppy – was taken into custody, and will face charges of failing to take reasonable care and precautions in respect of a syringe or needle.
There isn’t a specific offence in Queensland for leaving a dog in a hot vehicle, however the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Queensland (RSPCA QLD) says leaving one without water or appropriate shelter could constitute an offence under the Animal Care and Protection Act (2001).
Duppy was safely returned to his owner after being taken care of by Coolangatta police.
“Police are reminding motorists that in hot weather, the inside of a car can quickly double the external temperature, and cause significant health implications for any person or animal inside the vehicle,” says the Queensland Police Service.
Data from Kidsafe shows that in the five years prior to 2023, 10 children reportedly died in Australia after being left in hot cars. There is no Australian data regarding animal deaths in unattended vehicles.
