Police were forced to smash the windows of a vehicle at Fosse Park Shopping Centre to rescue a distressed dog that had been left inside in sweltering conditions. The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 23, when temperatures in Leicestershire soared above 30°C, nearing a red extreme heat warning.
Dog trapped for over an hour
Leicestershire Police received a report at 12:45pm about a dog's welfare in a car parked at Fosse Park West on Grove Way, near the Next and Flannels stores. Eyewitnesses said the animal had been inside the locked vehicle for more than an hour before officers arrived.
Onlookers reported that police had to smash the car windows to gain access and free the dog. A Leicestershire Police spokesperson confirmed: "At 12.45pm on Tuesday, June 23 a report was received concerning the welfare of a dog in a car at Fosse Park. Officers attended and removed the dog from the car."
Owner identified and referred to RSPCA
The force added that the dog's owner was identified and the matter will be referred to the RSPCA for further investigation. The RSPCA has been approached for comment and is awaiting the referral.
This incident highlights the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles during hot weather. Even with windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly, leading to heatstroke or death. The RSPCA advises never leaving dogs in cars on warm days.
