Just got back from Kimbolton country fair, great turn out of classic cars but saw a dog in an old Alvis that was still there 2 hours later, It's a pity the owner takes better care of his car than his dog, One of the hottest days of the year , the windows were open slightly but it must have been like an oven inside. Reported it to one of the stewards for what good it did, tried ring the RSPVA with no luck .Should have taken the dog out in hindsight but would probably ended up being prosecuted.
DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS,DON'T LEAVE THEM IN A HOT CAR. Rant over

I do keep meaning to ask about the law regarding be breaking the window to let the dog out, would have been all the more worthwhile if it was a pristine rare classic too

good call, I'm with you on that one.

Hows about police dog vans? They have climate control but that could fail and it's still illegal to leave a dog unattended in a car. Could you have an excuse if you use one of these? http://www.acek9.com/k9ha_pro/k9_heat_alarm_pro.html
They can text you to tell you if your vehicle is too hot or cold.

I've heard of the police breaking windows and prosecuting the vehicle owner! So either call the plod or break the window yourself and you'll probably still end up getting the owner in the proverbial!!

Saw in the news that a woman had left her 4 year old son in the car whilst she went shopping, needless to say the window was smashed, toddler removed from car and woman arrested for child neglect on her return.

I think if you have good reason to do so, the law would be on your side nowadays.

If for example, you had waited by the car for thirty minutes for the owner to return before smashing the window because the dog's condition had visibly deteriorated, after which you had stayed with the car/dog and called the police on a 999 call, i dont see what law you have broken.

As a concerned and responsible member of the public, you are entitled to take all reasonable steps to prevent injury or loss of life. a comparatively cheap glass window being broken in an emergency, would be just cause.

^ exactly

I was fiddling with a infrared thermometer gun yesterday as mazie has just bought one. My wife's car with all the windows done up had a seat surface temperature of 55degC, imagine sitting on that with a massive coat on...

An old Alvis, I would have taken a photo of dog in car then grabbed a passer by and picked the lock or other means to get into an OLD car without damage by using my motor mech. knowledge.

Im lucky that we can go places and take the dog almost everywhere with us, hence not left in car. If people cant leave windows open then pets should be left at home.

Im surprised the RSPCA didnt take a look. I can imagine they get loads of calls in this weather but wouldnt it be good if they had volunteers in towns etc that could be called out to investigate.

Some people shouldnt be allowed out. Why couldnt the dog have been put on some rope and tied up outside of the car with a bowl of water? A country fair as well....... beyond belief.

[Edited on 15/7/13 by DarrenW]