Leicestershire Police smashed the windows of a car at Fosse Park Shopping Centre to rescue a dog left inside during sweltering temperatures exceeding 30°C. The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at around 12:45 PM, when police received a welfare call about a dog trapped in a vehicle at Fosse Park West in Grove Way, near Next and Flannels.
Eyewitnesses report dog left for over an hour
Onlookers reported that the dog had been left in the car for more than an hour before officers arrived and forcibly entered the vehicle by smashing the windows. The dog was safely removed, and no injuries were reported. The heatwave had pushed temperatures past 30°C that week, with Leicestershire narrowly avoiding a red weather warning for extreme heat.
Police confirm referral to RSPCA
A Leicestershire Police spokesperson stated: "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." The RSPCA has been approached for comment but is awaiting the official referral.
The rescue highlights the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars, even for short periods. In 2023, the RSPCA received over 10,000 calls about animals in hot environments. The charity advises never leaving dogs in cars, as temperatures can rise rapidly, leading to heatstroke or death.
