This is what you should do if you see a dog in a hot car as the July heatwave hits.
Scorching temperatures are expected this week across the region, with highs of around 28C expected. However, on Sunday, it will be especially hot.
The Met Office has now put in place an amber warning set to last from 12.01am on Sunday, July 17 to 11.59pm. The weather agency said: "Some exceptionally high temperatures are possible during Sunday and could lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.
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"Temperatures will build again later this week and over the coming weekend, likely peaking on Sunday and Monday. Some exceptionally high temperatures are possible and cumulative effects of warm nights and hot days are expected to bring widespread impacts to people and infrastructure.
"This period of hot weather is expected to continue into the early part of next week, hence an update extending this warning into Monday is likely."
Most people know not to leave their dogs in a hot car. However, some people may think it is OK if their vehicle is parked in the shade or a window is left open, but this is wrong.
Even if it doesn't feel that warm on outside, in a car it become very hot. The RSPCA explains if it is 22C outside, inside a car it can become 47C within 60 minutes.
The animal welfare charity said it is very dangerous and will cause a dog suffering and harm. It can cause a dog to have heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Here is what you should do if you see a dog locked in a hot car, according to the RSCPA:
Assess the dog's condition
The animal welfare charity said to first assess the dog and if they are showing signs of heatstroke. If they are, you should call 999 immediately.
It added if the dog's condition is critical and the police have not arrived yet, people's instinct may be to break into the car to free them, however to aware this could be classed as criminal damage.
The RSPCA said: "You may need to defend your actions in court, so please be sure you're doing the right thing. Legally, you can commit damage if you believe the car owner would consent to it if they knew the dog was in danger.
"If you're sure you need to free the dog, tell the police what you intend to do and why. Take photos or videos of the dog. Are there any other witnesses? Take their names and telephone numbers.
"Don't be afraid to dial 999. If it's an emergency, we may not be able to get to you - and the dog - quickly enough. And as we have no powers of entry, we'd need to ask the police to help us rescue the dog. Don't worry - the police will soon let us know if the dog needs our help."
After the dog is free
When the dog is free it should be checked for signs of heatstroke or if it is in distress. If they are, immediately follow emergency first aid advice as this could mean the difference between life and death for the dog.
If the dog appears to be OK
If the dog doesn't seem in distress, you can leave them in the car and follow these actions.
- Work out how long the dog has been in the car. A 'pay and display' ticket could help.
- Make a note of the car's registration. If the owner returns but you still feel they'd put the dog in danger, you can tell the police.
- If you're at a shop, venue or event, ask staff to alert the owner over the loudspeaker.
- Make sure you, or someone else, stays with the dog. Monitor their condition. If they get worse be prepared to call 999.
- You can call our cruelty line for advice on 0300 1234 999. But if a dog is in danger, dialling 999 should be your first step.
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