AA to the rescue of canine family

A car full of Pomeranians is among the 197 emergency calls the AA has attended so far this summer to rescue animals and children from locked cars. John Healy, national manager of AA Roadservice, says people need to be more aware of where their keys are and not accidentally lock them in vehicle along with their kids or animals. “The temperature inside a car without any ventilation can rise rapidly, and it doesn’t take long before children and pets suffer heat exhaustion with its potentially fatal consequences.” The number rescues between December 1 and January 30 is up seven on the same period 12 months ago. AA Roadservice officer Evan Forsyth arrived within eight minutes of receiving the call to rescue the 10 dogs at South Beach near Whanganui. “The car had warmed up quickly,” he says. “Because they were wet from a dip during their run on the beach, the windows had steamed up to make it look worse for their owners. “Although the dogs weren’t distressed, they were pleased to be let out. I think I can claim to hold the national record for the most dogs rescued from one car.”