Overview
- Veterinäramt Haßberge and other German veterinary offices are enforcing Section 17 of the Animal Welfare Act more strictly after multiple cases of dogs dying in hot vehicles
- Officials warn that parked cars can heat above 60 °C within minutes, making it illegal and potentially fatal to leave animals unattended even with windows cracked
- Pet owners are urged to provide constant access to fresh water, limit exercise to cooler morning or evening hours and use measures such as wet T-shirts or shaded retreats to lower body temperature
- Brachycephalic breeds like pugs, bulldogs and boxers face elevated heatstroke risks due to impaired panting and require extra monitoring and cooling support
- Livestock managers are advised to improve barn ventilation, ensure shaded pastures and schedule animal transport during early or late hours to prevent heat stress