It appears the message to not leave dogs locked in cars on hot days is still not getting through to some.
Ballarat police say on New Year’s Eve they had to rescue an elderly Maltese dog left in a car. It was 35 degrees outside at the time, and the car was in direct sunlight.
Then on Monday a visibly distressed white poodle puppy also had to be rescued, with the outside temperature at 28C. Its owner was nearby having a coffee.
A 61-year-old man from Ballarat East and a St Kilda woman have both been fined $462.
“With the weather heating up over the next few days, it is a timely reminder to never leave animals in the car unattended,” a police spokesperson said.