Gold Coast police are investigating after a Miniature Dachshund, named Duppy, was rescued from a hot vehicle in Coolangatta on December 8, 2024.
Just after 2:30 PM, a concerned member of the public contacted the police, reporting that the distressed dog had been left in the back of a Volkswagen Jetta on Marine Parade. The vehicle had been parked in direct sunlight for over an hour, with the windows only slightly open and no water available for the dog. The temperature outside was over 27 degrees Celsius, with high humidity, making the situation hazardous for the animal.
Police arrived at the scene and found the car in the sun with the dog visibly distressed. Using the small gap in the window, officers were able to safely maneuver Duppy out of the vehicle. A syringe was also discovered in the car, which had not been capped.
While officers provided Duppy with water, the 38-year-old man responsible for the dog, who was looking after him for the owner, returned to the vehicle. He was taken into custody and charged with failing to take reasonable care in relation to the syringe. The man, from Tweed Heads, is set to appear in Coolangatta Magistrates Court on January 20, 2025.
Duppy was later returned to his owner after receiving care from the police. Authorities are reminding the public of the dangers of leaving pets in hot vehicles, as temperatures inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels, putting both humans and animals at risk. For more information on how to handle such situations, the RSPCA Queensland website offers guidance. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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