Police are examining a heated confrontation at a Midlands B&M store following allegations that a dog had been abandoned inside a vehicle during temperatures exceeding 30C.
Incident at Lichfield B&M
Striking footage captured the dispute at the discount retailer's Lichfield outlet at Imperial Retail Park, close to Eastern Avenue, throughout the red alert heatwave on Wednesday, 24 June.
A woman in her 30s, who claimed she had rescued the dog from the vehicle, was reportedly left "shaken" by a confrontation with a man - who identified himself as the dog's owner - who was heard threatening to punch her in the face.
The man "reportedly became aggressive and abusive", Staffordshire Police confirmed.
Confrontation Details
Throughout the confrontation, he was heard repeatedly shouting "give me my dog" after allegations were put to him by another customer that he had "committed a crime", reports Birmingham Live.
The woman was heard asserting she had "liberated" the dog after purportedly discovering it inside "a van in 34C heat". The man responded, stating: "I haven't committed any crime. The window was open."
He was heard to declare: "Give me my dog or I'll lose my s***. Give me my dog you weirdo before I punch you in the face."
Police Investigation
Staffordshire Police has initiated an investigation into the incident. A force spokesperson informed BirminghamLive: "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 victim, a woman in her 30s, had spotted the dog in a car on the car park of Imperial Retail Park, Lichfield, at around lunchtime on Wednesday. She took the dog into a nearby store which was air-conditioned, before alerting staff."
"The owner of the dog then reportedly became aggressive and abusive."
Police confirmed they were summoned to the shop at approximately 1pm. A spokesperson added: "We spoke to the victim and staff members before reviewing CCTV footage from the store at the time. The woman was left shaken but unhurt. We're keen to speak to anybody who saw what happened or anyone who may have relevant dash-cam footage."
RSPCA Warning
RSPCA advise is that, even if dogs are left in cars parked in the shade with windows open, the interior temperature of the vehicle can reach up to 47C within an hour, even if the weather is only 22C outside.
Anyone holding information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact police on 101, quoting log number 455 of 24 June.
