Here's what to do if you see a dog in a hot car in this weather

With the hot summer weeks upon us, it is important to take care of yourself and look out for others.

This includes our canine friends.

Whilst it is well known that dogs can die in hot cars, sadly some people still leave them in vehicles on warm days.

It was believed that if you left a window open or parked in the shade on a sunny day, then things would be fine but the RSPCA report differently.

Even in the aforementioned circumstances a car become like an oven very quickly. Even at 22 degrees outside, it can become a sweltering 47 degrees in a car in just 60 minutes.

So, if you do see a distressed dog in a car this is what you should do.

Firstly you should phone the police.

It is advisable not to force your way into the car immediately but if the police cannot get there in time you then have to decide if you should take action.

If you decide to do this:

Make sure you tell the police what you intend to do.

It is important to tell the authorities why you are doing it, where you are, take photos of the dog and take the name of any witnesses.

It is within the law to commit damage to someone else's property if...

at the time of the act or acts alleged to constitute the offence you believed that the person or persons whom you believe to be entitled to consent to the destruction of or damage to the property in question . . . .would so consent to it if s/he . . . had known of the destruction or damage and its circumstances' (section 5(2)(a) Criminal Damage Act 1971).

Only do this if you are 100 per cent certain of the situation and are prepared to defend your actions in a court of law, should any action be taken against you.

If you would like to receive more guidance on information on cruelty please consult their specialist call line on 0300 1234 999.

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