THE police rescue of a dog left in a car in Monmouth serves as a warning to pet owners for the upcoming summer months.

Gwent Police were forced to smash a car window yesterday (22nd June) after they were contacted about a distressed dog. A Gwent Police spokesperson said: “We received a call from a member of the public who said a dog was left in a vehicle in a car park on Monnow Street, Monmouth, and was in distress.

“On arriving officers found the dog was panting very heavily without access to water. Officers managed to gain access to the vehicle and retrieve the dog.

“The dog was taken to the vets to be checked over and given some shade and water.

“We have been informed the dog is now safe and well and the owner has been given suitable advice.”

This unfortunate situation is one the public has to be aware of in the coming months. The police spokesperson continued: “In hot stuffy cars dogs can’t cool down, leaving a window open or a sun-shield on windscreens won’t keep your car cool enough.

“You might think you’re only leaving them for a short time but don’t risk a smashed window or worse still, harm to your pet.”

The dangers associated with leaving animals in cars is often not anticipated by owners according to RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes.

Mr Jones has been involved with experiments where a thermometer left in a van in on a 15°C day reached 43.5°C in 60 minutes, so he said to contact the police as soon as possible if you come across a situation.

“If the animal is displaying any sign of heatstroke – such as panting heavily, drooling excessively, is lethargic or uncoordinated, or collapsed and vomiting - call 999 immediately.”

If police can’t attend immediately, people are reminded that without proper justification, breaking into a car can constitute criminal damage.

So informing police of your intentions, taking photos or footage of the dog and names and numbers of witnesses are all recommended.

Once removed from the car, move the dog to a shaded/cool area and douse it with cool water. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water.