The RSPCA is investigating a case that has outraged many on Facebook, in which a four-month-old puppy was spotted in an exposed crate strapped to the roof of an SUV.
The car was snapped on the Queensland Bruce Highway heading towards Gympie, doing 100km/h in the 30C+ sun.
According to the Courier Mail, a witness who posted the photo online said:
I imagine [it was] terrified as it was subject to H’Way noise and over 100kph wind without shelter at all… what would this do to a human?
All up we observed this for about 115Ks over well [over] an hour and a half.
The RSPCA have assured the public via their Facebook page that they’ll be doing everything they can to prosecute the owners of the poor li’l puppy – despite the act of strapping a dog crate to the roof of your car for pup transport not technically being illegal.
While an RSPCA spokesman likened the dog’s situation to being in the back of a ute, the organisation’s Facebook page points out that:
The Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 prohibits a person from transporting an animal in a way that is inappropriate for the animal’s welfare.
Being strapped to the roof of a vehicle hurtling along at 100k in the blazing sun does seem at odds with anyone’s general welfare, so here’s hoping the people responsible cop more than just a slap on the wrist. If you happened to witness the incident, the RSPCA are asking that you get in touch at 1300 ANIMAL.
Poor pupper. Hug your doggos tight, friends, and keep them in the aircon where they belong this summer.
