Passer-by confronts owners, claims dog was left in 36C temperatures for 20 minutes. Video / @shareejackson3
A fiery clash between two women in an Australian carpark has gone viral after one recorded her effort to free a dog she claimed was left in a car as temperatures hit 36C.
The confrontation took place in the carpark of an Aldi supermarket in Victoria, with the outraged passerby sharing video on social media.
She filmed the dog, which can be seen sitting inside the white SUV on the driver’s seat next to a cup of water and with the windows all partially wound down.
The dog appeared to be asleep inside the car. Photo / @shareejackson3
Then another motorist is seen blocking the SUV with his ute as the woman waits for the owner to emerge.
The owner then argued the dog was still wet from a recent bath as the centre of the concern hopped from the car, tail wagging, to shake water from his coat.
Informed that police were on their way, the owner continued her defence.
“He’s gorgeous,” she said.
“Yeah, he’s gorgeous, and you’ve left him in the car,” the other woman replied.
“It’s cruel and my daughter’s a vet. You don’t do that to dogs. You’ve been reported.”
The hopped out of the car with tail wagging. Photo / @shareejackson3
Commenters online were split over the passerby’s actions, with many praising her for taking action while others argued the dog did not appear to be suffering any ill effects.
Some accused the woman filming of being unnecessarily aggressive and praised the owner for “keeping her cool”.
The law
In Victoria, it is illegal to leave an animal unattended inside a car for more than 10 minutes when the temperature is at or above 28C.
In New Zealand, it is an offence under the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018, to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting, drooling or hyperventilation, and trying to seek shade.
Pet owners, whose dogs were found in this state, could be issued with a $300 infringement notice and owners can be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act if the dog’s welfare is significantly impacted.
