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German Vet Authorities Enforce Heat Protections After Animal Deaths

Recent dog fatalities in overheated cars have prompted tighter legal action, updated cooling and hydration protocols, revised shade requirements plus transport guidelines for pets and livestock

Hitze birgt tödliche Gefahren für Tiere - das sollten Halter beachten
The family dog wears sunglasses in the pool on a hot summer day.
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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