Millions of drivers ignored dogs left in cars on a hot day risking huge fines

MILLIONS of drivers ignore dogs left in a car on a hot day, finds new research.

Dog hot car

Dogs in a hot car are at huge risk of death when temperatures rise (Image: GETTY)

Temperatures across the UK are soaring as a heatwave is set to sweep the country with temperatures reaching dizzying heights of 37 degrees in places. Research reveals more than 15 million drivers have failed to help a dog left alone in a car on a hot day. A new social experiment exposed that motorists walked on by past a car on a hot day with a pet dog inside it and 74 per cent did not choose to intervene. The research conducted by found more than half (51%) of UK drivers have witnessed a dog left alone in a car on a hot day.

A fake dog which produces realistic sound effects was left inside a car on a hot day where temperatures were around 28 degrees.

The firm recorded reactions to the dog and the majority of passer-bye failed to intervene.

However, four out of the hundreds did stop to take action, with one trying to open the car, or getting to the dog through an open window.

Those who did not intervene claimed they were confused about their rights (23 per cent), while one in six (17 per cent) did not know the best course of action to take.

Two in five (38 per cent) aren’t sure whether they should call the RSPCA or the police to deal with the issue and a third aren’t sure if it illegal to smash a car window to free a dog in this instance.

Leaving pet locked in a hot car during hot weather can be extremely dangerous and put them at risk. Information on the RSPCA website explains just why it can be so risky.

It says: “Many people still believe that it's ok to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they're parked in the shade, but the truth is, it's still a very dangerous situation for the dog.

“A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn't feel that warm. When it's 22 degrees, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour."

dog car

Only a small amount of motorists stopped (Image: CONFUSED.COM)

The RSPCA advises those who think the dog’s life is in danger should call the police.

Shockingly, leaving dogs alone in a car on a hot day is far more common than expected. More than one in four (28 per cent) dog-owning motorists have left their dog alone in the car.

Of these, more than two in three (68 per cent) have done so on a hot day, leaving them for 14 minutes, on average.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth warns that the offence also carries some significant punishments.

He said: “If the dog becomes ill or dies, the owner is likely to face a charge of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006,” he warns.

“This offence can bring a prison sentence of up to six months in custody and/or a fine of up to £20,000.”

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at, says: “You’d think by now people would realise that leaving a dog in a car on a hot day can have devastating consequences.

“But for innocent bystanders who want to help, the course of action we should take isn’t always clear.

“The law around it is confusing. Are we allowed to break into a car if it’s in the interest of saving an animals life? Should we stand by and wait until the owner returns? Who should we call? The RSPCA? The police?

“While the RPSCA may seem like the best people to call, they do not have the right to enter any vehicle. So, we’ve partnered with them to clear up any confusion with a step-by-step guide on the best course of action to take and save a dog’s life.”