Drivers warned not to leave pets in cars as temperatures change

Drivers have been advised that, whilst temperatures have dropped, they should still think twice before taking their pets on car journeys.

Whilst the Highway Code does not stop drivers from keeping pets in cars, many experts suggest that you should not leave them alone for long periods of time and should keep the temperature cool.

Louise Thomas, a motor insurance expert from price comparison site Confused.com, gave advice for pet owners this summer.

Ms Thomas warned: “If you do need to leave your pet in the car at any point, taking measures to keep them cool will ensure they’re safe and comfortable.

“You could pull down the sunshade on the windows and get cool pads for your pet to set on”.

The advice follows research from Confused.com which revealed that one in four people would intervene if they spotted a dog that was left alone in a car on a hot day.

However, with the windows up and the air conditioning turned off, even on colder days there can be a big difference in temperature inside a car.

Ms Thomas said: “It’s important to remember that although the weather might seem more bearable to us, temperatures inside a car can still become a lot hotter than it is outside.”

The charity PDSA has also pointed out that if you see a pet in distress whilst left unattended in a car, they must dial 999 and ask for assistance.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, only police officers or council inspectors are legally allowed to break into the vehicle to rescue the pet.

The charity also advised that if a pet becomes ill or dies due to heatstroke from sitting in an unoccupied car, the owner could be fined or face a prison sentence.

Louise Thomas also warned drivers about the dangers of leaving their pet unrestrained when travelling, which could lead to fines and other penalties.

UK law requires motorists to keep pets restrained in vehicles, using a seat belt harness, pet carrier or dog guard, to avoid distracting the driver and to protect them if the vehicle needs to stop quickly.

She said: “If not, you could be caught and faced with points on your license or invalidate your car insurance. If a free-roaming pet is causing you to drive dangerously, you could face fines up to £5,000.”