A distressing incident unfolded at Oxley Tower as a poodle was reportedly left unattended in a car parked at the basement for an extended period. The incident caught the attention of a concerned passerby who, worried about the animal’s well-being, stayed with the dog for approximately 40 minutes until its owner arrived.
The witness, who discovered the situation on January 4, 2024, around 10 am, described the car park as hot and smelling of petrol. She noted that the vehicle was not running and recounted that videos she took showed the poodle, wearing diapers, freely roaming the front seats of the car. Initially calm, the dog began “panting quite badly” after about 15 minutes.
Despite a window in the backseat being left open, the gap was deemed insufficient, measuring “less than 10cm.” The concerned passerby and her friend remained in their car in the adjacent parking lot, keeping a vigilant eye on the dog.
It took at least 40 minutes for the driver to return, holding a 7/11 sandwich and drink. The witness expressed surprise at the seemingly extended duration of the trip, especially considering the convenience of the nearby 7/11. The driver, according to the witness, did not display urgency or offer attention to the distressed dog before driving away abruptly.
Authorities were alerted by the concerned passerby, although it remains uncertain if any action has been taken in response.
SPCA’s Executive Director, Aarthi Sankar, emphasized the importance of not leaving pets unattended in stationary vehicles, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. The appeal comes as a response to the incident, reminding pet guardians that even with partially open windows, a stationary vehicle can quickly transform into an oven, reaching temperatures as high as 43°C within 10 minutes. The lack of adequate airflow exacerbates stress, leading to panting, overheating, and dehydration in a matter of minutes for animals left unattended in such conditions.
