Petition launched to make it illegal to leave a dog in a car in hot weather

"Make it a specific criminal offence to leave a dog, cat or any other living animal in a car especially during hot weather or heatwaves or any other conditions in which the car may become overheated and unbearable for the animal and especially in which may effect the health or be fatal for the animal "I’m wanting this to become a criminal offence after seeing numerous press articles about dogs especially being left in hot cars during the recent hot weather."

At the time of writing, the petition had been signed by 11,469 people. If a petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the UK government must issue a response to the request. If a petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the government must consider the motion for debate in parliament. This comes as many dogs found left alone in hot cars during the hot weather were rescued by members of the public. Leaving a dog in a hot car can be fatal for the animal due to the lack of air available and the heat of the vehicle. Under the UK's Animal Welfare Act, an owner who leaves their dog in a hot car could already be prosecuted for neglect or cruelty if the animal becomes ill or dies. However, animal rights activists are calling for harsher punishments for anybody who leaves an animal in a car on a hot day, whether the animal is harmed or not.