Some of the lamest excuses given for dogs being left in hot cars have been revealed by the RSPCA along with a harrowing account of the consequences.

The animal welfare charity, along with other organisations, is campaigning hard to reinforce the message that pets should never be put in danger by their owners leaving them unattended in vehicles.

Three dogs are already known to have died “slow, agonising deaths” this summer when they were left in a car.

Last year the RSPCA dealt with 8,779 reports of dogs suffering from heat exposure, and last weekend alone its emergency line had 106 calls from people concerned about dogs left in hot environments including cars as well as caravans, conservatories and sheds. There was 645 such calls in London during 2015.

RSPCA inspectors are often met with excuses when challenging owners who have left their dogs in cars, such as the common misconceptions that it’s OK to do if windows are open and the car is parked in the shade.

They also face dumber reasons from owners trying to justify putting their pets at risk, such as these:

  • "I parked the car in the shade when I got here, I can't help it if the shade moved."
  • "The dog barks when I leave it alone in the house, it annoys the neighbours."
  • "We feel bad leaving him at home on his own all day."
  • "I'm having an open day to sell my house, the dogs would have been in the way."
  • "It's okay, I'm a vet."
  • "It's not like my dog’s on its own in the car, my kid is with it." (On this occasion 'the kid' was a five-month-old baby strapped into a car seat.)
  • "We didn't think we'd be long."

Surrey Comet:

Inspector Justin Stubbs has traumatic first-hand experience of seeing the tragedy that can happen when dogs are left in hot cars.

He is based in Peterborough where the three dogs died in June.

In an open letter to owners, he wrote: “They died a long, slow, agonising death.

“No-one leaves their dogs in a car to die on purpose. I deal with pets in cars every week as it is not just dogs that are left, and the majority of the time the owners return with attitude.

“A few apologise, listen to advice, and probably change their way of doing things. Still too many, however, believe their pets are fine, the weather isn't or wasn't hot, they insist the RSPCA and onlookers are overreacting. They tell me how the dogs are better looked after than themselves. Then when we've reached the end of the conversation, they get in their car and without exception, every time, they drive off with their windows down and/or air conditioning on.

“There is NO good reason to bring your dog out in your car in warm weather and leave it while you go to do your shopping, doctor's appointment, or visit the pub. Sadly, our inspectors anecdotally report it is often older owners who are the most commonly found to leave the dogs in a car.

“I can’t unsee the terrible things I have seen.

“Myself and my fellow inspectors at the RSPCA are used to dealing with all aspects of animal cruelty but to witness a dead dog in a hot car is particularly harrowing.

"When you go home at night, it is hard to put out of your mind that they would have slowly stifled to death, gasping for air. When a dog is left in a car for a prolonged period of time their skin blisters and they suffocate. It’s hard to think of anything worse."

What should you do if you see a dog trapped in a car?

The RSPCA advises calling 999 as it might not be able to attend quickly enough and would need police assistance anyway.

A dog is in danger if it displays signs of heat stroke, which are panting heavily, drooling excessively, being lethargic or uncoordinated, or collapsed and vomiting.

If you break into the car to free the dog - if the police can not attend - this could be classed as criminal damage.

Before you do so make sure you tell the police of your intentions and take photos or videos of the dog, and names and numbers of any witnesses.

You have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe the owner would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances.

Once you have rescued the dog from the car you should move it to a shaded or cool area and douse it with cool water.

You should also allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water.

If the dog is not showing signs of heatstroke establish how long the dog has been in the car and make a note of the registration.

If you are in a shopping car park ask a member of staff to make an announcement over the PA system.

Someone should stay with the dog to monitor its condition.

For more information on what to do if you see a dog in a hot car, visit the RSPCA’s website.

Here's a vet's top tips for keeping your pets happy and safe in warm weather