Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews Join Forces With Fireman Sam To Back A Nationwide Campaign Led By The RSPCA

VOGUE WILLIAMS AND SPENCER MATTHEWS JOIN FORCES WITH FIREMAN SAM TO BACK A NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN LED BY THE RSPCA HELPING TO SAVE DOGS LIVES AS THE SUMMER HEAT WAVE CONTINUES TO BRING DANGER FOR OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS

The celebrity parents-to-be and their dog Winston joined Fireman Sam and the RSPCA at a London nursery school this week to help educate young pet owners on dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars.

They are just weeks away from becoming parents for the first time and this week television personalities Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews had the perfect opportunity to test out their pre-school skills as the celebrity couple and their pet dog Winston joined Fireman Sam and an officer from the RSPCA to host a talk for a group of young children about the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars.

The educational event fronted by Fireman Sam was held in the playground at the Phileas Fox Nursery School in West London and helped to spread the message about the annual “Dogs Die in Hot Cars” campaign, which aims to help keep dogs safe in warm weather. The campaign raises awareness of the dangers of leaving pets including dogs in cars, caravans, conservatories and outbuildings during periods of potentially dangerous weather.

Fireman Sam is on-board to spread the message to children and families that dogs should never be left in a car on a warm day and has launched a new “Safety Short” video highlighting the dangers of doing so. The CG-animated video will be available on the Fireman Sam YouTube channel from today as part of the “Fireman Sam Animal Safety Shorts Series”, which includes a further three videos aimed at children and families on how to keep their pets safe and well.

Vogue, 32, and Spencer, 29, were in attendance with their beloved pet dog Winston, a cross between a beagle and a cavalier, who was on his best behaviour as the children in attendance listened to RSPCA animal collection officer Lisa Miller talk about why dogs should never be left in a car on a warm day. Vogue and Spencer shared their own experience of how they have been keeping Winston cool this summer by taking him for swims in the lake near to their new London abode which they have been busy getting ready for the arrival of their first child in these coming weeks.

Spencer Matthews says “Dogs Die in Hot Cars is an extremely important campaign and it’s imperative that everyone, regardless of their age, knows what to do when they see a dog in danger on a warm day. Our furry friends are relying on us to keep them safe and well in this warm weather we’re experiencing. I am urging everyone to keep their eyes peeled and if you spot a dog in a car that looks in danger then dial 999 and ask for assistance to help rescue the animal.”

Vogue Williams says “When the weather is warm it is extremely dangerous for dogs to be left on their own in a car or any other vehicle or building. I am fully supporting the Fireman Sam campaign to help raise awareness amongst young children about what to do if you see a dog in danger – and that is to dial 999 straight away and to report the animal in distress to the authorities”.

RSPCA animal collection officer Lisa Miller says “Many people still believe that it’s fine to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they’re parked in the shade, but in fact it is still a very dangerous situation for an animal. A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When it is 22 degrees outside, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour”.

Fireman Sam has joined forces with the Dogs Die in Hot Cars coalition made up of charities and organisations including: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust, The Kennel Club, Mayhew, National Animal Welfare Trust, NPCC, PDSA, RSPCA, SSPCA, TeamOtis-UK, The British Parking Association and Wood Green Animal Charity.

Fireman Sam says “Myself and the entire fire-fighter crew from Pontypandy are proud to be supporting this campaign to keep dogs safe this summer especially with this extremely hot weather we’ve had in the UK in the past few weeks. We believe you’re never too young to help prevent accidents and we hope our young fans will enjoy and learn from our new safety videos!”

Fireman Sam and the RSPCA’s Top 10 Tips for keeping your dog safe this summer.

It can get very hot over the summer and with their fluffy coats, dogs can struggle in the heat, so Fireman has teamed up with the RSPCA to put together the top 10 tips on keeping your pooch happy and healthy over the summer months:

• Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler - if your pet is constantly panting or drooling lots, gets sick or collapses, move them into the shade and contact a vet immediately.

• The roads and pavements can get very hot in the sun so touch the tarmac with your hand before letting your pet walk on it - you don’t want them to burn their paws! (Try the ‘five-second touch test’ - if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them!)

• If you’re planning a day out with your dog, check before leaving home whether dogs are allowed inside. If they’re not, arrange a pet-sitter or choose another, dog-friendly attraction.

• Make sure your dog has lots of fresh water to drink and can relax in the shade throughout the day.

• Dogs can get sunburn just like us so use pet-safe sun cream on the tips of their ears and nose (Your vet can help find the right product).

• Your dog may appreciate a paddling pool to splash around in when the weather heats up. Keep a close eye on them if they go for a swim and remember, not all dogs like water so don’t force them in!

• Check your pet regularly for fleas, ticks and mites. Unfortunately, the heat brings out all sorts of creepy-crawlies and some can leave your four-legged friend very itchy! If you’re concerned about any aspect of your dog’s health, please speak to your vet.

• Dogs love treats but not all the food that we enjoy is good for them. Use cold dog treats from the fridge or make an ice-lolly from pet-friendly ingredients to help keep your pet cool.

• It’s really exciting when you’re getting ready to go on holiday but don’t forget about your dog - he’ll need someone to look after him if he can’t go too. A responsible friend or relative might be able to help, or you can book in a pet sitter or boarding kennel.

• And remember - dogs die in hot cars. Never leave your pet alone in a car on a warm day. (If you do see a dog in distress in a car on a warm day - please make sure you dial 999 and ask for the police.)

For more information on helping other pets keep cool and for giving wildlife a helping hand over the summer months, see the RSPCA’s website for more seasonal advice.

Fireman Sam, which was originally created in 1987 and has been broadcast in over 155 territories and translated into 36 languages, has recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary of the first ever episode being broadcast on S4C in Welsh in the UK. The brand has 1 billion+ views globally, 11m views on YouTube Kids monthly and 1.7m+ subscribers globally.

More information on “Dogs Die in Hot Cars” can be found on RSPCA website.

VOGUE, SPENCER AND FIREMAN SAM ARE SUPPORTING THE “DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS” CAMPAIGN. IF YOU SEE A DOG IN A CAR THAT LOOKS LIKE IT IS IN DISTRESS, DIAL 999 AND ASK FOR ASSISTANCE TO RESCUE THE ANIMAL

About Fireman Sam™
Fireman Sam™, the ultimate Hero Next Door, has been racing to the rescue of his friends and colleagues in all sorts of perilous situations since he first made his UK TV debut in 1987. Based in the (fictional) rural village of Pontypandy, Fireman Sam is a pillar of the community and the hero of every rescue. Whether stuck on a high cliff-face or caught in an underground cave, the residents of Pontypandy know help is always close at hand thanks to brave and resourceful Fireman Sam. Since being created, Fireman Sam has aired in over 155 territories and 36 languages; has over 754 million views on the official YouTube channel and has a global social media following of over 285,000 and growing. Fireman Sam is the No. 1 property in Preschool Role Play category across EUR5 (UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) & Russia and is the #9 Fastest Growing Property YTD, with NPD data showing continuous growth for Germany, France and Belgium. (NPD EPOS, August 2017). Fireman Sam is produced by HIT Entertainment, a subsidiary of Mattel, and distributed by DHX, who struck an exclusive deal with Mattel in 2015.

About Mattel
Mattel is a global learning, development and play company that inspires the next generation of kids to shape a brighter tomorrow. Through our portfolio of iconic consumer brands, including American Girl®, Barbie®, Fisher-Price®, Hot Wheels® and Thomas & Friends®, we create systems of play, content and experiences that help kids unlock their full potential. Mattel also creates inspiring and innovative products in collaboration with leading entertainment and technology companies as well as other partners. With a global workforce of approximately 28,000 people, Mattel operates in 40 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations.

About DHX Media Ltd.
DHX Media Ltd. a leading broadcaster, creator, producer and marketer of family entertainment, is recognized globally for such brands as Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, Teletubbies, In the Night Garden, Inspector Gadget, Johnny Test, and the multi-award winning Degrassi franchise. DHX Media Ltd. is the owner of Family Channel, the most-viewed children's television channel in Canada, as well as Disney Junior (English & French) and Disney XD. The Company markets and distributes its library of more than 10,000 episodes of entertainment programming worldwide, and licenses its owned properties through its dedicated consumer products business. DHX Media Ltd.'s full-service international licensing agency, Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Ltd. (CPLG), represents numerous entertainment, sport and design brands. DHX Media Ltd. has offices in Toronto, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Halifax, London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Munich and Amsterdam, and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker DHX.