Summer arrives and, with it, we have to take into account the effects of heat on driving, which in fact are similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. We have to plan the routes to avoid the central hours of the day, we desperately look for parking in the shade and we try different techniques to quickly cool the car. As well as knowing certain sanctions related to the summer season, such as the prohibition of driving in flip flops or without a shirt.
But it is not enough to monitor our skill and concentration behind the wheel, as well as the comfort in the passenger compartment for all passengers. We must not forget that the well-being of our pets is also a matter of the utmost importance. In addition to keeping your pets safely secured in the car, you should know that it is strictly forbidden to leave your dog alone inside the vehicle.
On March 16, Congress approved the new law for the Protection of Animal Rights and Welfare, popularly known as the Animal Protection Law. This will enter into force on September 29 and incorporates a series of reforms to ensure maximum protection and welfare of companion animals.
In addition to toughening the penalties for animal abuse and abandonment, the law includes in its article 24 the prohibition of leaving a pet alone inside the car. Specifically, article 24, in its section 2. d) reads as follows: "Do not leave them alone inside closed vehicles, exposed to thermal conditions or of any other nature that could put their lives in danger."
If you leave your dog –or any other animal– alone in the car, the fine can range from 500 to 10,000 euros. This applies to any circumstance. That is to say, it does not matter if the car is parked in the shade, with the windows down, the air conditioning activated and you leave water for the dog to drink. It is strictly prohibited and carries a fine regardless of the state of the car and the animal.
Apart from the aforementioned sanction that it entails, leaving the dog alone in the car is a very dangerous practice, which threatens the well-being and safety of the animal. A closed vehicle can overheat even with the windows down. In fact, even if the outside temperature is 22ºC, the interior of the car can reach 47ºC in a matter of an hour, according to numerous studies.
It should be noted that dogs do not regulate body temperature as effectively as humans. Since they can't sweat, their only way to cool down is by panting. Therefore, they suffer much more from the ravages of high temperatures, and can quickly suffer a heat stroke. In case they have a heat stroke, the damage can be extremely serious, even leading to death.
