RSPCA and Sand In Your Eye to share advice with beach art

The art installation from the RSPCA will take place on Wednesday, August 21 from 1.30pm, and will be accessible via the South Bay to the side of Scarborough Spa.

Dog owners and animal enthusiasts alike are invited to witness the creation of what will be a giant sand dog artwork, as well as interact with the team from RSPCA Scarborough and District Branch.

RSPCA welfare experts will be on hand to chat about hot weather advice for pets.

The sand sculpture, created by West Yorkshire-based team Sand In Your Eye, is designed to bring awareness to the plight of animals during hot weather, as well as the age-old warning: ‘dogs die in hot cars.’

Carrie Stones, campaign manager at the RSPCA, said: “We’re looking forward to chatting with Scarborough’s locals and visiting pet owners to share tips about keeping our beloved pets cool in hot weather.

“The majority of us pet owners take extra care of their pets already during warm spells, but we can all learn more about the signs of heatstroke and try new tips and tricks to keep our animals as cool and comfortable as possible at home or out and about.

“We’re hoping the eye-catching sand artwork will pique the interest of passers-by who are welcome to come over for a chat with our team, which will include our fantastic local RSPCA Scarborough & District branch.

“Of course, as our campaign is about keeping pets cool in hot weather, we hope people will leave their pets at home if the temperatures rise.

“Even if it’s not bright sunshine, depending on our dog’s age and breed, some can suffer more quickly than others, so we always advise ‘if in doubt, don’t go out.’”

Sand In Your Eye director Claire Jamieson and artist Amy Emms said: “We are making a huge sand drawing on the beach in Scarborough, to share a message that can help us all protect our canine family members throughout the hot summer months.

“We love dogs, from our own families and neighbours to pretty much any others we encounter on walks or in cafes!

“I hope this message from the RSPCA helps keep them safe.”

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, Heather Phillips, said: “It is extremely important for pet owners to take precautions to protect their animals from the heat.

“Pets should never be locked in cars or conservatories.

“As owners, we need to know the signs that our dogs are getting too hot and help them to take a rest and cool down when they need to.

“The special sand art display by the RSPCA is a great way of reminding pet owners of the dangers of walking dogs in the heat.”

Before the installation, the RSPCA’s welfare team will host a free Cool Dog Summer workshop at Beeforths Hive in Italian Gardens between 10am and 12pm.

Pet owners, leaving their dogs at home for the workshop, will learn tips and tricks to keep pets cool, as well as the vital signs of heatstroke in pets.

Limited tickets for the Cool Dog Summer workshop are available by contacting carrie.stones@rspca.org.uk.