Dogs saved from 'blazing hot' car in York as police smash window
Officers smashed open the drivers seat window to rescue the dogs, who had been trapped for half an hour in the blazing sun.
Tuesday 26 June 2018 21:46, UK
Police officers have saved two dogs from a baking hot car by smashing through the driver seat window and freeing them.
York City police tweeted that officers had rescued two dogs from a vehicle in which their owners had left them for more than half an hour "in the blazing hot sun".
The force posted images of officers breaking into a red car, partially covered by a blanket, and two dogs panting in apparent relief after being freed from the sweltering vehicle.
York City police said the window had been smashed and added that the owners of the car would be prosecuted by the RSPCA.
"There is no excuse for this, I am utterly appalled," they added.
"Officers were in that car for thirty seconds and were struggling to breathe so goodness knows what these poor animals were going through."
The dogs were transferred to the care of RSPCA York - which tweeted its thanks to the officers for "acting quickly to release the poor dogs".
The two animals were pictured with vets enjoying a cool shower after their rescue, although one still looked dazed by the experience.
Many Twitter users thanked the police for their work and the report of the incident was shared thousands of times.
The RSPCA has issued numerous warnings about leaving dogs in hot vehicles in recent days.
On Tuesday, its York and Harrogate branch tweeted an infographic detailing the signs of heatstroke and warning that an increase of 2C can cause serious problems for dogs.
Glassy eyes, a fearful expression, panting and drooling can be tell-tale indicators of dogs suffering in the heat, and especially bad cases can result in seizures and collapse.
Animal charities advise that anyone seeing a dog in distress in a vehicle should call the police.