Gold Coast police have rescued a Miniature Daschund from a hot vehicle at Coolangatta, charging the dog’s owner with failing to take care of the animal.
Police were called just after 2.30pm yesterday by a concerned member of the public, who observed the dog distressed in the back of a Volkswagen Jetta for at least an hour on Marine Parade, with the windows only slightly ajar.
“Coolangatta Police attended and observed the vehicle parked in the sun with temperatures outside exceeding 27-degrees with high humidity, and Duppy the sausage dog in the back seat with no water,” Police said in a statement.
“Police were able to reach through the small gap in the window to manoeuvre Duppy out of the vehicle to safety. An uncapped syringe was also observed in the vehicle.”
While police were tending to Duppy and providing him with water, the driver of the vehicle returned and was taken into custody.
The 38-year-old Tweed Heads man, who told Police he was looking after Duppy for his owner, was charged with fail to take reasonable care and precautions in respect of syringe or needle.
He is expected to appear at Coolangatta Magistrates Court on 20 January next year.
Duppy was cared for by Coolangatta police and later returned safely to his owner.
Police are reminding motorists that in hot weather, the inside of a car can quickly double the external temperature, and cause significant health implications for any person or animal inside the vehicle.
Information on what to do if you observe a pet in a hot vehicle is available on the RSPCA Queensland webpage.
