'Poor dog' left inside Shariot van at HarbourFront Centre carpark for at least 30 minutes

A Stomper was concerned to see a dog left inside a parked vehicle at HarbourFront Centre on Dec 25.

Stomper Fozzy shared that she was at the multi-storey carpark at 6.34pm when she saw the dog all by itself inside a red Shariot van.

"No one was in the car," the Stomper said.

"The engine was not on. They should at least lower down the windows a little bit.

"I'm not sure how long the dog was there before I arrived and after I left, but I was there for 30 minutes."

According to Shariot's website, pets are allowed in their cars and vans although users are advised to clean up afterwards.

However, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), animals should never be left alone in vehicles.

"Contrary to popular belief, it is not okay to leave your pet in the car, even if it's for a short while, and even if the window is slightly rolled down," SPCA said in an advisory.

"The temperature inside a stationary car can soar in just minutes, and increases exponentially as compared to the temperature outside the car.

'With their much smaller bodies, animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just under 15 minutes.

"It's difficult for animals, especially dogs who can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paw pads, to cool themselves down while in the stationary car. A small gap through the windows does not help."

Members of the public who come across an animal left alone in a car are advised to stay on the scene and try to alert the owner if possible.

They may also contact the SPCA at 6287 5355 Ext.9 with details of the car's colour, model, and licence plate number, as well as take a picture or video of the animal in the vehicle.