RSPCA repeats warm weather warning
Despite repeated warnings about the dangers of leaving dogs in cars during warm weather, the first weekend in July's soaring temperatures took the lives of at least two dogs.
A seven-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier and two-year-old rottweiler-cross were victims to temperatures that, in some parts of the country, reached 32 degrees celsius (90 degrees fahrenheit).
The RSPCA, who attended to the two incidents, said it received around 350 calls from concerned members of the public over animals being trapped in hot cars during the weekend alone.
Interviews took place with the owners following both deaths, however, the RSCPA says people "just aren't listening".
The charity warned that the temperatures inside a vehicle can soar to 47 degrees celsius (116 degrees fahrenheit) within one hour when the outside temperature is just 22 degrees celsius (71 degrees fahrenheit).
"The deaths of those dogs were avoidable tragedies," said RSPCA North regional superintendent, Martin Marsh.
"Leaving a dog in a hot car has the same kind of effect as putting it in a microwave. They are literally cooked alive, in what is a horrendous death."
Mr Marsh added that leaving a window open simply isn't enough, because in-car temperatures rise quickly, even if it's cloudy.
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
