As summer temperatures soar, it is important to remember that what might be pleasant outdoors can quickly become dangerous in a parked car.
With an outside temperature of 20°C, the interior of a vehicle can skyrocket to 46°C in just one hour. If the external temperature reaches 30°C, the passenger compartment can reach this dangerous threshold within 30 minutes, and after an hour, it can soar to a scorching 54°C.
With an outside temperature of 38°C, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb to 64°C within an hour.
Call 112 or 113 and describe the situation in detail
Such extreme temperatures pose significant risks to both humans and animals. So, what should you do if you come across a person, cat, or dog trapped in a car during sweltering weather?
According to the police, the first step is to assess the condition of the person or animal in question. If there are concerns about their well-being, you should immediately call 112 (emergency services) or 113 (police).
In cases where there are clear indications of imminent danger, there is even a legal obligation to provide assistance.
Regarding humans, Article 401-1 of the Criminal Code stipulates that individuals must aid those in distress without putting themselves at risk. Similarly, the Animal Protection Bill states that it is forbidden not to help an animal in danger.
When contacting emergency services, it is crucial to provide the operator with all the relevant details. Based on the situation, the operator can offer initial instructions for those at the scene and despatch appropriate assistance if necessary.
Different penalties may apply
The penalties for abandoning a person or animal in a hot car depend on the specific circumstances. Since each case is unique, the police cannot provide a blanket response.
However, under Article 420 of the Criminal Code, if someone recklessly leaves another person in a car resulting in harm, they might face fines ranging from €500 to €5,000, or a prison term of eight days to two months.
Intentionally trapping someone in a vehicle during extreme heat can lead to various penalties as per the Penal Code.
For animals left behind in scorching conditions, the law is more explicit. Article 12, paragraph 17 of the Animal Protection Bill stipulates that it is forbidden to inflict unnecessary suffering on an animal, while Article 8 of the Grand-Ducal regulation on livestock farming explicitly forbids leaving animals in a vehicle parked in the sun for an extended period.
Violating these regulations can result in fines ranging from €251 to €200,000, along with prison sentences ranging from eight days to three years.
Taking care of animals during a heatwave
In view of the high temperatures forecast for the next few days, the Ministry of Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development has issued a few reminders about animal welfare in the event of a heatwave:
- animals must have access to sufficient water at all times,
- never leave animals unattended in vehicles, even for a short time, under direct sunlight,
- animals must not be forced to do strenuous physical exercise in the heat,
- animals kept outdoors must have natural or artificial shelter to protect them from the sun.
