Staffordshire Police are investigating a heated confrontation at a B&M store in Lichfield after a woman removed a dog from a vehicle during a heatwave, leading to threats from the animal's owner.
Incident Details
The altercation occurred on June 24 at the B&M store on Imperial Retail Park, near Eastern Avenue, during a red alert heatwave with temperatures exceeding 30°C. A woman in her 30s claimed she saw a dog inside a van and, believing it to be in danger, took the animal into the air-conditioned store and alerted staff.
Shortly after, a man identifying himself as the dog's owner confronted the woman, shouting “give me my dog” and threatening to “punch you in the face.” Fellow shoppers captured the exchange on video, which shows the man repeatedly demanding the dog's return while the woman insisted she had “liberated” it from a van in 34°C heat.
Police Response
Officers were called to the store at around 1pm. Staffordshire Police confirmed they spoke to the victim, staff, and reviewed CCTV footage. A force spokesperson said: “We're appealing for information after a woman was verbally abused after taking action to help a dog allegedly left in a hot car. The woman was left shaken but unhurt.”
Police are urging witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage to contact them on 101, quoting log number 455 of June 24.
RSPCA Warning
The RSPCA advises that even with windows open or parking in shade, car interiors can reach up to 47°C within an hour when the outside temperature is just 22°C. Leaving dogs in hot cars can be fatal, and members of the public are encouraged to call 999 if they see an animal in distress.
