If You See a Dog Locked in a Car Dial 112 Immediately

We’ve recently discussed the importance of safely securing our beloved canine companions when travelling by car, particularly on the way to those enjoyable beach trips. But what if you encounter the distressing sight of a dog left alone and locked in a vehicle, especially during the sweltering summer months? The message is stark and undeniable: dogs die in hot cars! Despite widespread awareness campaigns, this tragic occurrence remains all too common and can have fatal consequences incredibly quickly.

Your Immediate Action: Call 112

If you witness a dog in distress inside a locked car, your first and most crucial step is to immediately call the emergency services. In Spain, the easiest way to do this is by dialling 112. This is the pan-European emergency number and operators are trained to handle calls in multiple languages, making it accessible to residents and tourists alike.

Before you make the call, try to get as precise a location as possible. Note down the street name(s), any nearby building names, or prominent landmarks. The more accurate information you can provide, the faster the emergency services can respond. When you connect with the operator, clearly explain the situation – that you’ve found a dog locked in a car – and provide the exact location. Be prepared to answer any further questions they may have to assess the situation.

What NOT to Do: Do Not Break the Window

This is a critically important point and one that is often misunderstood due to misinformation circulating on social media. Despite claims that you are legally protected if you damage a car to rescue an animal in distress, these claims are false. In Spain, you are not permitted to break into a vehicle for any reason, including to rescue an animal. Doing so could lead to your prosecution for criminal damage.

The only legally sanctioned course of action if you believe a dog is in imminent danger in a hot car is to seek assistance from the authorities. The police or Guardia Civil are the only ones legally empowered to take action, such as forcing entry if absolutely necessary.

Local Police and Further Advice

While 112 is the universal emergency number, if you are able to speak Spanish, you might also consider calling the Local Police directly on 092 or the Guardia Civil on 062, as they might be able to respond quicker depending on the area. However, if there’s any doubt about language barriers or which specific force to contact, 112 remains your best and safest option, as their coordination centre will dispatch the appropriate services.

Under no circumstances should you put yourself at risk of prosecution by taking matters into your own hands based on erroneous advice found online. Your role is to be a responsible citizen and report the emergency to the professionals who are trained and authorised to deal with such situations. Your prompt call to 112 could be the difference between life and death for a trapped animal.