RSPCA reveals rising number of complaints over pets being left in hot cars

Concerned charity bosses have launched a new campaign urging pet owners to take extra care of their animals.

The RSPCA attended 230 call-outs relating to dogs in hot cars across the region in 2015 - this was a rise from 223 in 2014 and 124 in 2013.

The charity receives thousands of reports of dogs suffering from heat exposure across the country every year - that equates to one call every hour.

As well as animals left in hot cars, this can include dogs outside who are suffering from the heat as well as those in conservatories or caravans.

In 2015, the RSPCA received a total of 8,779 calls throughout the charity to report incidents of dogs suffering from heat exposure - more than 3,000 more than in 2010. But the number of calls did drop compared to 2014, when the charity saw a high of 10,229 incidents.

The RSPCA and other organisations in the UK have teamed up to launch this year's 'Dogs Die in Hot Cars' campaign to try to bring down this number of calls and raise awareness of the dangers of leaving dogs - and other pets - in hot environments.

Charity spokeswoman Rachel Butler said: "In an emergency, it is best to dial 999 and report a dog in a hot car to police. "The RSPCA may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, we'd need police assistance at such an incident.

"If the animal is displaying any sign of heatstroke - such as panting heavily, drooling excessively, is lethargic or uncoordinated, or collapsed and vomiting - call 999 immediately.

"If the situation becomes critical and police can't attend, many people's instinct is to break into the car to free the dog. But please be aware that, without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage. Make sure you tell the police of your intentions and take photos or footage of the dog as well as names and numbers of witnesses. The law states that you have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances.

"Once removed from the car, move the dog to a shaded/cool area and douse him/her with cool water. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water.

"If the dog isn't displaying signs of heatstroke, establish how long the dog has been in the car and make a note of the registration. Ask a member of staff to make an announcement of the situation over the tannoy, if possible, and get someone to stay with the dog to monitor its condition."