Dog owners warned over winter car error which could land them £20k fine or even prison sentence
DOG owners have been warned over a winter car mistake which could land them a £20,000 fine.
Experts from Bristol Street Motors urged pet lovers to keep an eye on their furry friends as the weather turns colder.
When the snow comes, Brits are still likely to be heading out for frosty walks or supermarket trips with their pooches in tow.
However, it is vital that you remember some essential tips to keep your pet happy and healthy.
The most major issue is that the plummeting mercury can actually be a danger to your dog.
Just as with very hot conditions, leaving them in the car when it’s well below zero could have some serious unintended consequences.
Leaving your pet alone in the car is not the wisest move and, if they were to suffer any health issues as a result, you could find yourself in the dock charged with animal cruelty.
If the worst happens and the animal dies from exposure to cold, this could even see you sent behind bars.
The maximum penalty for animal cruelty is a £20,000 fine or up to 51 weeks in prison.
This would usually be reserved for intentional mistreatment or animal fighting offences, but if you are extremely neglectful, it is possible you could find yourself placed in that category.
The team at Bristol Street recommend taking your dog with you for fuel stops and driving breaks, while keeping them comfortable with a dog bed, spared towels and a water bowl in your motor.
However, they added that once you’re on the move again it is vital to properly secure your pet in place.
Doing that prevents them from distracting you as you cruise along, which could see you find up to a further £5,000 for careless driving.
A Bristol Street spokesperson said: “Many of us understand the importance of not leaving our dogs locked inside a hot car, but owners need to take just as many safety precautions for their pets in the colder months too.
“Temperatures can plummet quickly, and your car can become dangerously cold for your pet, putting them at serious risk. Owners should be aware that if their dog becomes unwell or dies from being left in the car, they could face serious consequences.
“That’s why Bristol Street Motors have decided to run their Dogvember campaign with a mission to make journeys with your four-legged friends easier, safer, and more comfortable.”
It comes after it was revealed that millions of motorists may be making a common windscreen mistake and leaving themselves open to a £2,500 fine.
Meanwhile, an expert survivalist shared a £6 Tesco product that can stop your car freezing up in winter.