High temperatures and dry weather make for good holiday and swimming conditions but they’re not great for pets and wildlife.
Byron Shire residents, and visitors who have brought their pets with them, are reminded not to leave animals in cars and to make sure there is plenty of water and shade around for them.
The RSPCA estimates that on a hot day it can take only six minutes for a dog to die in a car.
Deputy Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said people under estimate how quickly a car heats up, even if the windows are down and it is parked in the shade.
“Council staff regularly find distressed dogs locked in cars with the windows up and it is upsetting for everyone,” Cr Ndiaye said.
It is not an offence to lock an animal in a car but to allow a dog to get distressed by the heat is an act of cruelty which can be investigated by the RSPCA.
People are also asked to remember native wildlife during this long, hot summer by putting out shallow bowls of water and making sure that bird baths are topped up regularly.
If people see an animal in distress locked in a car they should call the Police and the RSPCA immediately.
