The moment six police smash Audi’s back window to free overheating dog left in car by owner in temperatures of 80F

• Witness describes how dog was rescued from the back of a shopper’s black Audi 
• Officers in Stevenage and were forced to break the window to rescue the dog
• RSPCA says even if it isn’t too hot, car temperatures can soar in sunny weather

Police officers were forced to smash their way into the back of an Audi after the driver left a dog in the back of the car despite scorching temperatures.

At least six Hertfordshire Police officers were spotted surrounding the black Audi which was parked up in a car park in the centre of Stevenage.

With temperatures reaching the high 20s, the dog was rescued at about 11.30am after officers smashed a rear window and reached into get the animal out of the boiling hot car.

Pictured: Police officers were forced to smash their way into the back of an Audi after the driver left a dog in the back of the car despite scorching temperatures in Stevenage today

David Stuckey, who lives in Stevenage, told MailOnline there was a crowd stood watching as the incident unfolded.

He said: ‘I was just walking back to my car and could see a large crowd of people who were stood there in disbelief.

‘Someone went shopping and left their dog inside the car in sweltering heat with no windows open. Everyone couldn’t believe it.

‘It happened at about 11.30am and it was already very warm but I don’t know how long the dog had been in the car.’

According to Met Office data, it was at least 22C at 1130am in Stevenage this morning.

The RSPCA warns that even at that temperature outside, the inside of a car could reach an ‘unbearable 47 degrees within an hour’ – temperatures which the animal charity describes as ‘very dangerous’ that would cause a dog ‘suffering and harm’.

Mr Stuckey said he was unsure on the breed of the dog or what condition it was in when police removed it from the car as officers were asking members of the public to keep their distance. 

Officers are permitted to smash a vehicle’s window if they believe a dog is in danger.

Police use a tool called a glass punch before removing the window usually with their baton to rescue the animal inside. 

The RSPCA says that, despite the common belief it is OK if windows are open or the car is in shade, dogs should never be left alone in vehicles during hot weather. 

As part of their Dogs Die In Hot Cars campaign, RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: ‘We know families love their pets and want to keep them close but, sometimes, it may be safer to leave your four-legged friends at home.

‘Dogs can suffer from heatstroke during hot weather and this can be extremely dangerous, and even prove fatal.

‘We’re calling on pet owners to put the welfare of their dogs first this summer. If you’re heading out and about then consider whether your pet may be happier in the cool at home, only walk them during the cooler hours of the day, and never leave your dog in a car unattended on a warm day.’

According to PDSA, it is not illegal as such to leave a dog in a hot car, but owners are legally responsible for their pet’s health and welfare.

If a dog became ill or sadly died due to being left in a hot car, owners could be charged with the offence of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. 

Hertfordshire Police and the RSPCA have been contacted for comment by MailOnline. 

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