Police smashed the windows of a car at Fosse Park Shopping Centre to rescue a dog that had been trapped inside for over an hour during a UK heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 30°C.
Incident Details
Leicestershire Police were called to the retail complex on Tuesday, June 23, at 12:45 PM after concerns were raised about the welfare of a dog locked inside a vehicle. Officers attended Fosse Park West in Grove Way, where stores such as Next and Flannels are located.
Eyewitnesses reported that the car windows were smashed to gain access to the dog, which had been inside the vehicle for more than an hour before police arrived.
Police and RSPCA Involvement
Police successfully freed the dog from the car. The owner of the animal was identified, and the matter will be referred to the RSPCA for further investigation. A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: "At 12.45pm on Tuesday, June 23 a report was received concerning the welfare of a dog in a car at Fosse Park. Officers attended and removed the dog from the car. The dog's owner was also identified and the matter will be referred to the RSPCA."
Heatwave Context
The incident occurred during a UK heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 30°C in Leicestershire, which was close to receiving a red warning for extreme heat. Dogs left in cars during high temperatures can suffer from heatstroke, dehydration, and even death within minutes.
The RSPCA has been approached for comment but is awaiting the referral from the police.
