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ACT Policing is warning of the dangers of leaving pets in hot vehicles after officers rescued two dogs in Tuggeranong earlier this week.
About 4pm on Wednesday (21 January 2026), police received reports of two dogs locked in a car in a shopping centre carpark.
Police arrived and observed the two dogs in a very distressed state, with the outside of the car very hot to touch and all the windows shut.
Officers gained access to the vehicle and immediately transported the dogs to a nearby vet for life-saving treatment.
With hot temperatures expected this weekend, ACT Policing Sergeant Mick Serbatoio said that it was important to remind people of the dangers of leaving animals in vehicles.
“Leaving a dog in a hot car can turn fatal within minutes, especially this long weekend with the high temperatures being forecast,” Sergeant Serbatoio said.
“Luckily in this instance bystanders contacted police who were able to intervene quickly, but this could have very easily had a tragic outcome.”
“If you do see an animal in a vehicle in distress, contact Domestic Animal Services Rangers on 13 22 81, or if it’s an emergency contact police on Triple Zero (000).”