On Monday morning, 7 February, the Animal Welfare Society of SA took possession of an adult female Husky Cross and her seven six-week-old puppies found confined in the sweltering hot boot of their owner’s car.
How they survived the suffocating almost hour-long trip from Rocklands in Mitchells Plain to the Animal Welfare Society of SA’s headquarters in Philippi is nothing short of miraculous.
“When we opened the boot we noticed that the puppies were quite tightly squashed together without any ventilation – another 15 minutes in the boot and they would almost certainly have suffocated to death,” says the Animal Welfare Society of SA.
Thankfully they managed to get all of the dogs out in good time and the owner agreed to surrender them to us. Despite their ordeal, they are doing well and are ready to be adopted.
The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa offers the following advice to pet owners who enjoy the company of a Canine Cruising Companion:
- Never place your pet in the boot as they can suffocate to death.
- Never allow your pet to ride shotgun.
- Always “buckle up” your pet.
- If possible install a barrier.
- If your pet is restless consider putting them in a travel crate for the journey.
- Never leave your pet in the car even with the windows cracked open as they can die in a hot car.
- On long trips stop frequently for water and potty breaks.
Over and above these precautionary travel tips, Allan Perrins spokesman for AWS SA suggests that dog owners invest in a canine seat belt or dog harness to keep their dogs safely restrained whilst in the car.
Also read:
Picture: Supplied