Surge in calls to RSPCA in West Yorkshire about dogs in hot cars
The animal welfare charity says it's received 22 calls in West Yorkshire in the last 2 weeks.
It's despite warning to owners not to leave pets in hot environments - as Leeds faces some of the hottest temperatures of the year so far.
Heatwave warnings remain in place.
Advice is that people should contact the police on 999 if they see a dog in distress in a hot car.
The RSPCA is one of 14 organisations which run the Dogs Die in Hot Cars campaign each year, reminding pet owners never to leave their animals in hot environments such as vehicles, caravans, conservatories and outbuildings.
Dogs Die in Hot Cars campaign manager Holly Barber, who works for the RSPCA, said: “It’s difficult to understand why we are still receiving so many calls when the weather improves and why owners are still dicing with their pet’s lives.
“It’s simple - never leave your pet alone in a hot environment. Whether you’re popping into the shop for a newspaper or nipping into a pharmacy to pick up a prescription, please don’t take the risk.
The charity say owners are unknowingly still putting their pets at risk by leaving them unattended in stationary vehicles, believing they will be okay if they park in the shade or leave windows open.
The RSPCA is urging owners never to take the risk and to either take their pet with them for their outing or leave them at home in the cool with access to lots of water.
Deadly temperatures
In 2017, the charity received 7,199 calls about animals in hot environments.
Temperatures inside a car can reach deadly levels in just minutes, according to experts.
Lisa Hens, RSPCA dog welfare expert, said: “Never leave an animal in a car, caravan, conservatory or outbuilding when it's warm outside as temperatures can quickly rise, even when it doesn’t feel that hot. For example, when it’s 22C outside, within an hour the temperature can reach 47C inside a vehicle, which can result in death.
“In an emergency, please dial 999 to report a dog in a hot car to police as they have the power to enter a vehicle to free the dog.
“Sadly, the RSPCA has been made aware of far too many animals perishing inside vehicles due to the heat when their owners simply weren't aware of the dangers of leaving their pets unattended during the warm weather. Please don't take the risk and either keep your dog with you or leave them at home in the cool.