New Zealand : Friday, 14 Januarry 2011 (Local Time)
Soaring summer temperatures have prompted animal welfare groups to repeat warnings about leaving dogs in cars.
One dog has died and 11 have been rescued from cars so far this summer in New Zealand.
Last month former owner of Pouakai Zoo Marea Faigan approached the Daily News to warn people that leaving their dogs in their cars could result in the dogs dying.
Now Pieter Verhoek, president of the Companion Animal Society branch of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, has re-issued that warning.
"Leaving your pet inside a car is similar to placing them inside an oven – essentially you're leaving them to cook," he said.
Mr Verhoek believes that the reports of rescued and dying dogs are only the tip of the iceberg as many would go unreported.
He wants people to know that "cracking" the window of their car will not stop their dogs from cooking.
"It can take less than 20 minutes for a dog to overheat and slip into a coma.
"Even if the dog recovers there can still be permanent internal damage," he said.
Don't risk losing your pet over running a couple of errands is Mr Verhoek's message to pet owners.
Story and Foto from : www.stuff.co.nz (reported by Jared Boreham)
