Spring may seem mild, but don't let those pleasant 24-degree days fool you. A groundbreaking study from the University of New South Wales reveals that dog deaths shoot up by nearly 10 per cent on extreme heat days, with an increased risk of 1 per cent for every degree over 25°C. Even more alarming?
Public holidays see dog mortality rates skyrocket by 155 per cent, making those relaxed shopping trips potentially lethal for our four-legged companions.
The recent incident at Gungahlin Shopping Centre in Canberra wasn't just another close call—it's part of a disturbing pattern that's getting worse.
In 2024 alone, 111 animals endured heat-related deaths and another 388 were rescued from overheating, and those are just the reported cases.
Amy Boceanu's quick thinking likely saved a life when she spotted the distressed dog in the car park.
'Even sitting outside of the car with the rays blasting me, I felt it hit my skin, so I couldn't imagine what the dog was feeling like,' she told Yahoo News. Her instincts were spot-on—and backed by frightening science.
The science behind the six-minute danger zone
RSPCA Australia stresses it takes 'just six minutes' for a dog to die in a hot car, but many Australians still cling to dangerous misconceptions about car ventilation. When it's 22°C outside, within an hour the temperature can reach 47°C inside a vehicle—that's hot enough to cause serious burns to human skin, let alone a panting dog.
On a 21°C day, the inside of a car can reach 37°C in just 20 minutes. On a 32°C day, temperatures inside a vehicle can soar to 43°C in only 10 minutes. The 'cracked window' myth? Complete rubbish, according to experts.
'Many people think cranking the windows helps, but it doesn't significantly reduce the temperature inside a car,' an Animal Welfare League spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo last year. 'It's a dangerous misconception.'
'Unless we want to subject our dogs to greater and greater risks, we must get carbon emissions under control.'
Heatstroke warning signs in dogs
Excessive panting and drooling
Restlessness followed by lethargy
Vomiting or loss of appetite
Lack of coordination
Bright red gums and tongue
Collapsing or loss of consciousness
Australia cracks down with record-breaking penalties
If you needed another reason to take this seriously, Australia's legal landscape just shifted dramatically. South Australia now imposes fines of up to $1 million for corporations that mistreat animals—the most severe penalty in the nation. Individual offenders face fines up to $250,000 or 10 years in jail under the new Animal Welfare Act that passed in early 2025.
This represents a massive jump from previous penalties. The new fines are a significant increase on the previous maximum fine of $50,000 or four years in jail for aggravated ill-treatment of an animal. The ACT, where the Gungahlin incident occurred, already carried penalties up to $160,000 or one year imprisonment.
In NSW, animal cruelty carries a maximum penalty of 250 penalty units for corporations, or 50 penalty units and/or six months imprisonment for individuals. With penalty units currently valued at $110 each, that translates to potential fines of $27,500 for individuals and $275,000 for businesses.
What to do if you spot a dog in distress
The key question many face: when should you intervene, and how? Here's your step-by-step action plan:
Immediate assessment: First, evaluate the dog's condition. Symptoms of heatstroke include restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite or coordination. If the dog appears unresponsive or in severe distress, time is critical.
Contact authorities first: In an emergency, it's best to dial 000 and report a dog in a hot car to police. The RSPCA may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, they would need police assistance.
Document everything: Write down the car's make, model, and licence plate number, or take a picture of the vehicle and go to the nearest building to find a manager and ask that the owner be paged.
When time runs out: If the situation becomes critical and police can't attend, many people's instinct is to break into the car to free the dog. But please be aware that, without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage. Make sure you tell the police of your intentions and take photos or footage of the dog as well as names and numbers of witnesses.
Your legal protection as a Good Samaritan
- Document the emergency thoroughly before acting
- Call police first and inform them of your intentions
- Find witnesses to support your assessment
- Only break windows if the animal's life is in imminent danger
- Stay until authorities arrive to ensure the dog's safety
The public holiday danger spike
The UNSW study analysing 20 years of veterinary data found that public holidays and Sundays carry the greatest risk for dogs, with the highest mortality rates recorded on New Year's Day, followed by Christmas Day. The reason for this spike isn't related to temperature—it suggests behavioural changes in how people treat their pets during leisure time.
This finding is particularly relevant for Australian seniors who often use public holidays for shopping trips or family visits. The research suggests these are precisely the times to be most vigilant about pet safety decisions.
Prevention strategies for pet owners
For those times when you absolutely must run errands with your dog in tow, consider these alternatives:
- Shop during cooler early morning or evening hours
- Choose pet-friendly venues where dogs can accompany you inside
- Arrange for a friend or family member to dog-sit
- Complete essential errands on separate trips from recreational outings
- Invest in proper travel cooling mats and ensure constant water access during transport
Remember, on hot days, pavement temperatures can reach between 54°C and 82°C, which is hot enough to seriously burn your dog's paw pads. Always test the pavement with the palm of your hand before setting out.
The climate change connection
Dr Joy Tripovich, the UNSW study's lead author, warns this issue will only worsen: 'This is particularly important as climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves into the future. The projections are that heatwaves will get more intense and more frequent.'
This research underscores that protecting pets from heat exposure isn't just about individual responsibility—it's about adapting to our changing climate. Australian summers are becoming more extreme, meaning the window for safe pet transport is narrowing each year.
Your role in the solution
Every Australian has a role to play in protecting pets from heat-related deaths. Whether you're the concerned shopper like Amy Boceanu, a pet owner making better choices, or someone sharing this information with friends and family, your actions matter.
Public consultation on South Australia's new animal welfare laws showed overwhelming community support, with surveys revealing that 'South Australians have little tolerance for animal cruelty and they want strong deterrents.' This sentiment reflects values across the nation.
The six-minute window between life and death for a dog in a hot car is real. The 'cracked window' myth has been thoroughly debunked. The legal consequences are now more severe than ever. Most importantly, every rescue and every prevention effort saves a life that depends entirely on human compassion and quick thinking.
Have you ever encountered a situation where you needed to intervene for an animal's welfare? What would you do if you spotted a dog in distress in a car park? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
Original Article
https://au.news.yahoo.com/distressi...arning-dangerous-misconception-075324382.html
Extreme heat linked to increased pet dog deaths
Cited text: The researchers found that the risk of death in dogs shoots up by nearly 10 per cent on extreme heat days (days above 32 degrees), with an increased risk of 1...
Excerpt: A groundbreaking study from the University of New South Wales reveals that dog deaths shoot up by nearly 10 per cent on extreme heat days, with an increased risk of 1 per cent for every degree over 25°C
https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/07/extreme-heat-linked-to-increased-pet-dog-deaths
Extreme heat linked to increased pet dog deaths
Cited text: On public holidays, though, dog deaths skyrocket 155 per cent, and Sundays see mortality risk nearly double compared with other days of the week — the reason ...
Excerpt: Public holidays see dog mortality rates skyrocket by 155 per cent
https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/07/extreme-heat-linked-to-increased-pet-dog-deaths
Companion Animals Are Baking to Death in Hot Temps | PETA
Cited text: In 2024 alone, 111 animals endured heat—related deaths and another 388 were rescued from the heat—and those are just the ones that were reported.
Excerpt: In 2024 alone, 111 animals endured heat-related deaths and another 388 were rescued from overheating, and those are just the reported cases
https://www.peta.org/features/dogs-and-other-companion-animals-suffer-heat-related-deaths/
Dogs and Hot Cars: What to Avoid and How to Prevent Emergencies—resqme, Inc.
Cited text: According to PETA, in 2024 alone, 111 animals died from heat-related causes, and 388 were rescued from overheating, and that’s only the reported cases...
Excerpt: In 2024 alone, 111 animals endured heat-related deaths and another 388 were rescued from overheating, and those are just the reported cases
https://resqme.com/dogs-and-hot-cars-what-to-avoid-and-how-to-prevent-emergencies/
It takes just six minutes for a dog to die in a hot car
Cited text: '; and RSPCA Australia stresses it takes 'Just six minutes' for a dog to die in a hot car.
Excerpt: RSPCA Australia stresses it takes 'just six minutes' for a dog to die in a hot car
https://phys.org/news/2018-07-minutes-dog-die-hot-car.html
Heatwave sparks dogs in hot cars calls as reports hit three-year high
Cited text: For example, when it’s 22C outside, within an hour the temperature can reach 47C inside a vehicle, which can result in death.
Excerpt: When it's 22°C outside, within an hour the temperature can reach 47°C inside a vehicle
https://www.bva.co.uk/news-and-blog...ot-cars-calls-as-reports-hit-three-year-high/
Dogs and Hot Cars: What to Avoid and How to Prevent Emergencies—resqme, Inc.
Cited text: For example: On a 70°F day, the inside of a car can reach 99°F in just 20 minutes. On a 90°F day, temperatures inside a vehicle can soar to 109°F in o...
Excerpt: On a 21°C day, the inside of a car can reach 37°C in just 20 minutes. On a 32°C day, temperatures inside a vehicle can soar to 43°C in only 10 minutes
https://resqme.com/dogs-and-hot-cars-what-to-avoid-and-how-to-prevent-emergencies/
Huge increase in penalties for animal cruelty offences ...
Cited text: A corporation can now be fined up to $1 million for mistreating animals, the most severe penalty in the nation.
Excerpt: South Australia now imposes fines of up to $1 million for corporations that mistreat animals—the most severe penalty in the nation
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/n...ew-animal-welfare-act-passes-state-parliament
Increased penalties imminent as Animal Welfare Act ...
Cited text: The Bill includes fines of up to $250,000 or 10 years jail for people who mistreat animals and follows extensive community consultation which showed w...
Excerpt: Individual offenders face fines up to $250,000 or 10 years in jail
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/n...-welfare-act-reforms-introduced-to-parliament
Increased penalties imminent as Animal Welfare Act ...
Cited text: The new penalties will be a significant increase on the current maximum fine of $50,000 or four years in jail for the aggravated ill-treatment of an a...
Excerpt: The new fines are a significant increase on the previous maximum fine of $50,000 or four years in jail for aggravated ill-treatment of an animal
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/n...-welfare-act-reforms-introduced-to-parliament
Animal Cruelty—Offences, Charges and Penalties | Armstrong Legal
Cited text: In NSW, the offence of committing an act of cruelty upon, authorising an act of cruelty upon or failing to exercise reasonable care with respect to an...
Excerpt: In NSW, animal cruelty carries a maximum penalty of 250 penalty units for corporations, or 50 penalty units and/or six months imprisonment for individuals
https://www.armstronglegal.com.au/criminal-law/nsw/offences/cruelty/
Companion Animals Are Baking to Death in Hot Temps | PETA
Cited text: Symptoms include restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite or coordination.
Excerpt: Symptoms of heatstroke include restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite or coordination
https://www.peta.org/features/dogs-and-other-companion-animals-suffer-heat-related-deaths/
Heatwave sparks dogs in hot cars calls as reports hit three-year high
Cited text: In an emergency, it is best to dial 999 and report a dog in a hot car to police.
Excerpt: In an emergency, it's best to dial 000 and report a dog in a hot car to police
https://www.bva.co.uk/news-and-blog...ot-cars-calls-as-reports-hit-three-year-high/
Heatwave sparks dogs in hot cars calls as reports hit three-year high
Cited text: The RSPCA may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, they would need police assistance at such an incident.
Excerpt: The RSPCA may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, they would need police assistance
https://www.bva.co.uk/news-and-blog...ot-cars-calls-as-reports-hit-three-year-high/
Companion Animals Are Baking to Death in Hot Temps | PETA
Cited text: While you’re waiting for the police to arrive, write down the car’s make, model, and license plate number, or take a picture of the vehicle and go to ...
Excerpt: Write down the car's make, model, and licence plate number, or take a picture of the vehicle and go to the nearest building to find a manager and ask that the owner be paged
https://www.peta.org/features/dogs-and-other-companion-animals-suffer-heat-related-deaths/
Heatwave sparks dogs in hot cars calls as reports hit three-year high
Cited text: If the situation becomes critical and police can’t attend, many people’s instinct is to break into the car to free the dog. But please be aware that, ...
Excerpt: If the situation becomes critical and police can't attend, many people's instinct is to break into the car to free the dog.
https://www.bva.co.uk/news-and-blog...ot-cars-calls-as-reports-hit-three-year-high/
Extreme heat linked to increased pet dog deaths
Cited text: The study, published in The Australian Veterinary Journal, analyses 20 years of veterinary data from New South Wales, and finds that public holidays a...
Excerpt: The UNSW study analysing 20 years of veterinary data found that public holidays and Sundays carry the greatest risk for dogs, with the highest mortality rates recorded on New Year's Day, followed by Christmas Day
https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/07/extreme-heat-linked-to-increased-pet-dog-deaths
Companion Animals Are Baking to Death in Hot Temps | PETA
Cited text: On a hot day, the pavement on sidewalks can reach temperatures between 130 and 180 degrees, which is hot enough to hurt your dog’s feet and even serio...
Excerpt: Remember, on hot days, pavement temperatures can reach between 54°C and 82°C, which is hot enough to seriously burn your dog's paw pads.
https://www.peta.org/features/dogs-and-other-companion-animals-suffer-heat-related-deaths/
Extreme heat linked to increased pet dog deaths
Cited text: “This is particularly important as climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves into the future,” says UNSW study ...
Excerpt: Dr Joy Tripovich, the UNSW study's lead author, warns this issue will only worsen: 'This is particularly important as climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves into the future.
https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/07/extreme-heat-linked-to-increased-pet-dog-deaths
Extreme heat linked to increased pet dog deaths
Cited text: “The projections are that heatwaves will get more intense and more frequent,” says Dr Tripovich. “Unless we want to subject our dogs to greater and gr...
Excerpt: Dr Joy Tripovich, the UNSW study's lead author, warns this issue will only worsen: 'This is particularly important as climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves into the future.
https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/07/extreme-heat-linked-to-increased-pet-dog-deaths
Huge increase in penalties for animal cruelty offences ...
Cited text: 'Surveys and public consultation on the bill show South Australians have little tolerance for animal cruelty and they want strong deterrents.'
Excerpt: Public consultation on South Australia's new animal welfare laws showed overwhelming community support, with surveys revealing that 'South Australians have little tolerance for animal cruelty and they want strong deterrents'
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/n...ew-animal-welfare-act-passes-state-parliament
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