Pet owners are being warned to be vigilant about the care of their animals during hot weather.

Two German shepherd police dogs died on Wednesday afternoon when they were left in a car outside Nottinghamshire force headquarters in Arnold, Nottingham, when outside temperatures reached 29.4C (84.9F).

The RSPCA is investigating the incident and the dog handler could be charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, which carries a fine of £20,000 and/or a six month prison sentence.

A spokesman for the Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, said: “It can take just 20 minutes for a dog to die and temperatures reach over 40 degrees in some vehicles.”

Nigel Gibbens, the Government’s chief veterinary officer, advised owners not to leave pets in any car, van or lorry. Owners should also be careful about leaving animals in a caravan, conservatory or kennel, and should ensure they are not accidentally locked in a garden shed or greenhouse.

Pets should be given access to water and owners are advised to walk their dogs in cool periods of the day.

Mark Evans, the RSPCA chief veterinary adviser, said: “Many owners believe that leaving a car window open or a bowl of water nearby is enough, but in reality this will make virtually no difference and the dog is still in serious danger of literally being cooked alive. Leaving your dog in a car, even on an average warm, cloudy summer day, can put your pet at risk of huge suffering and even death.”

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