Dog left in parked van for more than four hours

A Chichester man has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after a young Alsatian crossbreed dog was left in a parked van for more than four hours on Tuesday (June 20), Sussex Police said.

At 1.10pm officers were called to the van which has been parked unattended at The Gatehouse car park in Chichester Gate since at least 9am and possibly a little earlier, police said.

A police spokesman said: “Someone walking past had noticed that the van was shaking, and the dog was found inside in a major state of distress.

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“As officers arrived the owner, who runs a security patrol company, returned to the vehicle.

“The dog and owner were taken straight to a local vet and thankfully it is understood the dog will recover. It has been seized from the owner and will be taken into care by the RSPCA.

“The owner, a 39-year-old man, from Littlebourne near Canterbury, has been arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, and is currently in custody for interview and further enquiries.”

“This dog is lucky to be alive and it is a sharp reminder to all drivers – do not leave your dog in the car in this heat, even for 20 minutes.”