Dog Left In Hot Car While Owner Was Shopping, Rescued By Firefighters

A dog was left in a hot car while his owner went shopping in Essex in southeast England on Friday, local media reported. Firefighters smashed open a window to free the dog, which was in "distress."

The cockapoo, named Bertie, was left in the vehicle in the soaring temperature with no windows open and in direct sunlight in a multi-story car park in Saffron Walden. The dog's owner was reportedly shopping. A member of the public spotted the dog and called the fire service.

Saffron Walden Fire Station shared pictures of the car and dog to warn people of the dangerous consequences of leaving animals in the car.

"Today we rescued a Cokerpoo [sic] Dog called Bertie from the top deck of Waitrose multi story park car in SW by breaking a window to release him," the post read. "The dog was in distress due to the intense heat within a parked car in direct sunlight with no open windows... Please always keep your pets welfare and safety in mind particularly during this hot spell."

"With the recent high profile incident in Saffron Walden we are surprised the message is still not getting through when it comes to leaving children and pets in hot vehicles... Thankfully Bertie survived to tell the tale! We thank Waitrose staff for their support with trying to help locate the owner and for providing much needed water for Bertie. The incident has been reported to Essex Police," the post added.

Authorities said owners could end up with a criminal record if something happens to their dog after it's left alone in a car. They could likely be charged with animal cruelty. If convicted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, drivers can be jailed for six months.

"If you see a dog left alone in a hot car, take down the car's colour, model, make, and license plate number. Have the owner paged in the nearest buildings, or call local humane authorities or police," People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said. "Have someone keep an eye on the dog. Don't leave the scene until the situation has been resolved."