January 16, 2014
The RACQ and RSPCA are urging motorists not to leave their beloved pets in cars, following a rise in the number of callouts RACQ has received to retrieve heat-stressed pets trapped in vehicles.
RACQ spokesman Russell Manning said the motoring club rescued an average of 62 animals from locked cars every month across the State, with more than half occurring in south-east Queensland.
“RACQ tests have shown that it takes as little as one minute for the car cabin temperature to rise from air-conditioned levels to ambient, and as little as seven minutes to reach 40 degrees,” Mr Manning said.
“Even if you’re just intending to quickly pop into a shop, do not leave your pets in the car as they can suffer life-threatening heat stress after only a few minutes.
“Leaving windows down won’t cool the car or prevent heat stress.
“In 2013, we saw an increase in the number of callouts to rescue animals trapped in cars. Any rise is alarming and we want to see far fewer incidences this year.”
RSPCA Qld spokesperson Michael Beatty said that if a dog was suffering from heat stress, it was essential to lower its temperature as quickly as possible.
“Hose them down with water or better still place ice packs on their head and stomach,” Mr Beatty said.
“It’s no good rushing them to the vet in a hot car because the chances are their temperature will continue to rise. Try to cool them down first.”
If an animal is suffering heat stress call RSPCA Qld on 1300-264-625 or the RACQ on 13-11-11 if the animal is trapped in a vehicle.
