Protect Your Pets
With the current high temperatures across Wales, people are being reminded to protect their pets and not leave them in hot vehicles.
Every year animals are harmed or die by being left alone in cars and vans during warmer weather, even for a very short while.
Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths is reminding people to protect their pets as temperatures hit higher figures.
The Minister said, “Although many of us enjoy the hotter weather, it cannot always be said for our pets who we cherish.
“Some people believe leaving their pet in a vehicle in the shade or with the windows down will be fine, but it is simply not the case.
“Vehicles can get hot very quickly and leaving animals alone in these higher temperatures is very dangerous.
“We love our pets and I encourage everyone to take the steps needed to ensure they are protected and comfortable during warmer weather. If you are out and about with your pet, plan your day carefully making sure they are never left in a vehicle for any amount of time.”
Road Safety Wales welcomed the Minister's advice and is also taking the opportunity to remind drivers to check that pets are safely secured before every journey.
If a collision occurs when a pet is loose in the vehicle, they could escape, be hit by another vehicle or cause a further collision.
To protect your pet, choose a position in the vehicle where they won’t be injured if an airbag deploys and don’t allow them to travel with their head out of the window - not only will they be exposed to grit and debris, there is a risk of them jumping or falling from the vehicle or being hit by an oncoming vehicle or object.
It is vital to ensure that your pet is safely secured, using a seatbelt harness, a pet carrier, a dog cage, or a dog guard when travelling in a vehicle. In the event of a collision, an unrestrained pet can become a dangerous projectile, continuing their forward motion at force within the vehicle interior and striking other occupants.
It is essential that drivers secure their pets correctly – you are protecting them, yourself and other road users.