圖片來源:報案者
每到炎熱的夏季，台灣防止虐待動物協會調查部門就會開始接獲許多將狗獨自關在車內的案件。台灣地區的夏季有逐漸延長的趨勢，大約六到九月間是將狗獨自遺留於車內案件數量的高峰期。遺留於車內的原因有許多種，但同樣的是飼主們普遍都認為只有幾分鐘而已並無大礙。就算車外溫度不是非常高，在密閉空間的車廂中溫度依然可以在幾分鐘內快速飆升到37度或甚至更高，更何況台灣的夏季酷暑難受，人類在室外都無法忍受，更何況是沒有汗腺的犬隻。
調查部門專員在接獲此類案件時，會先請民眾緊急蒐證並於現場透過各種方法聯絡飼主，或是直接撥打動物救援專線。因平常並無相關訓練，民眾可能無法及時判斷犬隻中暑的嚴重情形，所以無論如何我們第一優先就是要想辦法讓犬隻先離開密閉車內空間，確保犬隻安全。而根據我國動保法第五條規定，不得長時間將寵物留置密閉空間。所以除了救援之外，也建議民眾也可以拿起手機拍攝犬隻、車輛以及車牌，將證據交由主管機關進行後續調查與約談。
根據獸醫學上的統計以及經驗，將寵物單獨留在車內絕對不是明智之舉。即使只有短短的幾分鐘，都有可能會造成狗狗在短時間內熱衰竭而死亡。過熱的環境更會對犬隻的身體或器官功能造成永久的傷害，因此中暑無論對犬隻或是獸醫來說都是一種危及生命的緊急狀況。
協會調查部門每到夏天都會多次進行中暑議題宣導，呼籲飼主或民眾必須注意犬隻外出運動時補充足夠的水分，且應避開正中午時刻的酷暑，盡量在晨間或傍晚等氣溫較低，陽光較弱的時候才帶狗狗外出散步，避免憾事發生。
看見有狗狗被獨自留在車內時，我該怎麼做？
- 立刻報警並通知當地主管機關(動物保護防疫處或家畜防治所)告知有狗被單獨留在密閉空間，同時拍攝犬隻、車輛以及車牌，將現場證據交給主管機關承辦人員。 如巧遇假日或平日下班時間，可於下個工作日再將證據交給主管機關。若發現動物有立即性生命危險的話，可直接撥打1999市民專線表示現場已有違反動保法第五條之情形需請求協助。
- 若不知道該如何通知主管機關，可透過台灣防止虐待動物協會報案系統報案或打電話給我們 02-2738-2130, 02-2738-2131，調查部門專員會將證據整理後轉交給主管機關承辦人員，並主動追蹤案件後續情形。
- 拍照留證的照片中必須包含車牌號碼、外觀以及犬隻數量與其外觀等。另外必須盡可能記下所在地確切地址、動物停留在車內時間紀錄(可拍下來)、車位號碼、車款、停放車輛的相對位置等確切資訊。
- 若在停車場內可尋求管理員協助，調車輛進入停車場的時間，以此推測動物被關在車內已經多久時間。另外也可透握事發地點的廣播系統尋找飼主。
- 留在原地等待飼主回來，並告知單獨將寵物留在密閉空間內不但具有一定危險性且違反我國動物保護法，可依法開罰新台幣三千至一萬五。
*目前我國對於破窗救狗仍存在許多法律問題，打破他人車窗屬於毀損他人財物之行為，依照車輛破壞的程度可能會被車輛所有人提出民法或刑法之告訴。因此對於當下判斷犬隻情形以及是否破窗救狗，還請民眾自行依照現場狀況謹慎判斷。
請注意：如果發現破窗是唯一可以救助犬隻生命的方法，在行動之前必須先想好破窗後的計畫。例如：是否有繩子可以當鍊繩？是否有辦法控制犬隻？在找到飼主之前誰必須負責安置犬隻？若情況嚴重的話誰必須將犬隻帶到動物醫院？
動保法第五條
不得長時間將寵物留置密閉空間內，並應開啟對流孔供其呼吸。
Each year, when Taiwan’s sweltering summer commences, Taiwan SPCA receives countless reports of dogs being left alone in hot cars. Summer in Taiwan is unbearably hot and is only getting longer and longer each year. From June to September each year, we receive countless reports of dogs being left in cars. We have heard all excuses imaginable of why dog owners feel it OK to leave their dogs unattended in hot cars. One commonality being, they all thought it not a big deal if only for a few minutes. However, quite the opposite is true; temperatures in an enclosed space like a car can quickly soar to 37 degrees or higher, even if the temperature outside is not considered to be extremely high. Summer in Taiwan can be so hot that most people cannot even bear to stay outside for long. Therefore we must consider our dogs, animals that do not have sweat glands, and the dangers they are put in when being left in unattended cars.
When Taiwan SPCA inspectors receive such reports, we ask the person filing the report to quickly collect some basic evidence (photo, license plate, location) and then try to contact the owner through any methods possible, or directly call the Animal Rescue Hotline. To an average person, it might be difficult to determine a dog’s level of hyperthermia just by looking at them, therefore the top priority is to get the dog out of the car and ensure its safety. Moreover, Article 5 of the Animal Protection Act states pets shall not be left in an enclosed space for a long period of time. Anyone who encounters such a situation is advised to take photos of the dog, car and license plate with a cell phone, which must be provided to the competent authority for subsequent investigation and interviews.
Veterinarian medicine sees hyperthermia, or overheating, as a life-threatening and critical medical condition for dogs. Clinical research has shown that dogs can quickly overheat in cars and can suffer from permanent health issues. As well their lives could be a risk from the oven like temperatures in a car, thus it is never wise to leave your dog alone in a car during the summer months.
Every summer, The Taiwan SPCA advocates summer pet care, the to dos and not to dos. TSPCA urges everyone to pay extra attention to their dogs during the hot months and ensure they drink enough water, especially while outside during walks. It must also be noted one must avoid taking dogs for walks midday, when the mercury soars to unbearable highs. It is advised that outdoor activities take place in the morning or early evening so to keep our beloved companions safe from the heat.
What should I do if I see a dog left in a hot car?
- Call the police immediately and inform the local competent authorities (the Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office or the Animal Disease Control Center of your city or township) that a dog is being kept alone in an enclosed space. Take photos of the dog, car and license, which you’ll need to provide to the competent authorities to prove the dog was suffering. If it is a weekend or after office hours, you can provide your evidence to the authorities on the next working day. If the animal is under immediate threat, please call 1999 for immediate help and make sure to explain that Article 5 of the Animal Protection Act is being broken.
- If you are unclear about whom to report the incident to, you can also contact Taiwa SPCA (02-2738-2130/ 02-2738-2131/ investigations@spca.org.tw) and we will report the case on your behalf. Our inspectors will gather the evidence and submit it to the authorities, and will take proactive measures to make sure the case is being dealt with seriously and the dog in question is safe.
- When taking photographic evidence it’s very important clear details are recorded. The photos must show the car, license plate, license number, the animals inside, clear number of animals inside the car. Moreover, it’s crucial you note down as many details as possible, such as; the detailed location of the car, the time the car was seen, the lot number where the car is parked, the make of the car, the relative location of where the car is parked and any other specific details you think might help in the investigation.
- If the car is in a parking lot, you can also seek help from the parking lot attendant regarding when the car entered the area so that you can calculate how long the animal has been kept inside the car. Also, you could try to find the owner by paging him or her in the building (if applicable).
- Stay and wait for the owner. Inform them that it is very dangerous leaving a pet inside a car and that it is a violation of the Animal Protection Act, Article 5. Violation of the related article is subject to a fine of between NT$ 3,000 and NT$ 15,000.
* Currently, in Taiwan, breaking a car window to save a dog’s life is still legally complicated. Breaking the window of someone else’s car is considered to be the damaging of another person’s property. Depending on the level of damage, the car owner could file a civil or criminal lawsuit against the person who broke the window. Therefore, it is up to the person on site to make a judgment call, whether or not they feel breaking the window is needed, and if it is something they would be willing to go to court over.
Please note: if it is decided that breaking the window is the only way to save the dog’s life, a plan of action for after the window is broken must be thought of before taking action (ex. Do you have a rope that can be used as a leash, can you carry or control the dog, who will be responsible for the dog until the dog’s owner is found, who will take the dog to a vet if the situation is dire.
Article 5 of the Animal Protection Act:
An animal's owner shall not confine the pet in an enclosed space for a long period of time and shall ensure openings for ventilation.
