A dog was rescued by police after being left inside a sweltering car in Leicester with no water and only a small window slightly open.
Officers were forced to smash a rear window to save the animal from the dangerously hot conditions.
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
The incident took place on Monday, August 11, as temperatures soared to 28°C across Leicestershire. The dog, a two-year-old collie named Lola, was discovered inside a vehicle at the Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre. According to officers, the car’s windows were barely open, and Lola had no access to water.
To ensure her safety, police broke the vehicle’s rear window to provide fresh air and safely remove Lola from the car. She was immediately taken to the nearby Pets at Home store, just 10 metres away, where staff assessed her and confirmed she was in good health.
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: “Luckily, Lola is okay. She drank plenty of water and was checked over at Pets at Home, where she was given the all-clear.
“Lola’s owner was met with a broken window and also a stern talking to about keeping dogs cool in this weather.
“NEVER leave you dogs in a car on a hot day!”
Officers used the incident as an opportunity to remind the public about the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars. They noted that even when the outside temperature is just 22°C, the inside of a vehicle can soar to 47°C within an hour.
Following her rescue, Lola received lots of attention and belly rubs from concerned passersby.
The heatwave continues across Leicestershire, with temperatures expected to reach 27°C on Thursday and 28°C on Friday. A brief shower is possible Thursday afternoon, but the weekend looks set to stay warm and sunny.
