Warning to dog owners as RSPCA is called out to 106 reports of pups trapped in cars over just TWO DAYS in July
Same period saw three pooches die tragically in one car as temperatures soared above 30C
ANIMAL charity officers were called out to over 100 reports of dogs trapped in hot cars over just TWO DAYS in July.
At the same time, three pups died in a single car in Peterborough after being "stifled to death" during the hottest days of the year so far.
In a stark warning, the RSPCA has revealed it attended 106 reports of clueless dog owners locking their pets in cars as temperatures soared above 30C last month.
Inspector Justin Stubbs, who attended the tragedy in Peterborough, told the of his horror at seeing the pooches succumb to fatal heat exposure.
He said he “could not unsee the terrible things he has seen”.
“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."
Police are currently investigating the incident.
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The worrying stats come as the animal charity teams up with Dog’s Trust, The Kennel Club and the British Veterinary Association among others to warn against the dangers of leaving dogs unattended in cars during hot weather.
It says when it’s 22C outside, a car can quickly reach temperatures as high as a fatal 47C inside.
In 2015, the RSPCA received 8,779 calls to report incidents of dogs suffering from heat exposure -- over 3,000 more than in 2010.
2014 saw the highest number of incidents at 10,229, nearly twice as many as the previous year.
The public is advised to call 999 if they see a dog trapped in a hot car.
If you are unsure, call the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 for advice.
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