A dog who was overheating had to be lifted onto a Primark trolley and wheeled home after it reportedly collapsed when it was taken outside in record-breaking heat.
The owner told those nearby he had taken his pet out to cool down as it was too hot in their home.
Shocking video clips show members of the public in Basildon town centre in Essex, rushing to help the bulldog which allegedly collapsed on Monday afternoon.
They lifted the panting dog onto a trolley, borrowed from the nearby Primark, as its legs buckled beneath it.
According to onlookers, the dog was suffering from problems caused by the heat.
One member of the public said the pup panted and dribbled as it struggled to cope in the weather.
The eyewitness said: "I was walking through the town centre and at first sight, I thought it was someone who had collapsed, but as I got nearer, it became clearer it was a dog.
"I advised the owner to get the underbelly and paws of the dog submerged in cool water and then move her into the nearby metro where it was air conditioned.
"I was so angry - such arrogance and ignorance!
"I went into Primark and asked one of the staff if we could get the dog into their door entrance so she could have half a chance of survival.
"With that, the staff member spoke to the manager who was amazing and assisted to get a trolley and load the dog on so the dog could be transported back to the owner's flat.
"The reason I filmed it was because this needs to be shared to highlight not only how quickly dogs can get to critical stage, but also how many absolute ignorant dog owners exist!
"No dog ever died from missing a walk but many have died being walked in these heats.
"Sadly, this wasn't an isolated incident - although it was the most severe I have witnessed."
