CONVICTED (2018) | Nicholas Foreman, born c. 1960, of Mill Close, Bridlington YO16 7AW – left his two Labradors locked inside his car during a heatwave.
Foreman pleaded guilty to one offence, under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act, of causing unnecessary suffering to Labradors Zoe and Penny by confining them in an environment that was detrimental to their well being, on June 25, 2018, at York Hospital.
RSPCA Inspector Alice Cooper, who led the investigation, said: “We were contacted by concerned members of the public who spotted the two distressed dogs shut inside a red Kia hatchback during the hot weather this summer.
“When I got to the hospital car park the police had already arrived and officers had smashed a window and freed the hot dogs.
“Both the dogs were panting heavily and were extremely distressed. The car was parked in direct sunlight and, although a window was slightly open, it was incredibly uncomfortable inside the car.
“The temperature that day was 29C and the dogs were suffering the effects of heat exhaustion so we rushed them to the vets. Penny needed cool baths to bring her body temperature down as it had reached dangerously high levels.”
Both dogs recovered and Zoe, three, and two-year-old Penny were signed over into the RSPCA’s care. They are now being looked after by staff at York Animal Home, run by RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch.
The duo are described as “sweet” girls who are totally devoted to each other and enjoy playing and snoozing together. Staff would like them to find a home together where they will enjoy long walks and agility.
Zoe is very friendly and confident while Penny is a little nervous and relies on her friend. They’d like a new home with older children where someone will be around for much of the day.
“Penny and Zoe were incredibly lucky,” Inspector Cooper added. “Unfortunately, we’ve been called to many incidents of dogs being left in hot cars where the animals have succumbed to the heat.
“I really hope that cases like this will help to demonstrate the dangers of leaving pets in hot environments when the weather heats up.”
For more information about Penny and Zoe, phone 01904 654949 or email reception@rspca-yorkhome.org.uk
Sentencing:
150 hours of unpaid work; total of £385 costs and charges. Disqualified from keeping dogs for five years (expires October 2023).