Dog owners are being warned by the RSPCA and Wiltshire Police that they will be punished if they leave their pets in cars.

During the hot weather the police have had an increase in calls from the public worried about dogs being left in cars.

In Trowbridge, a Jack Russell terrier was seized by the RSPCA after it was left in a Ford Fiesta, parked at the town’s train station, for several hours on July 3.

Wiltshire Police were called to the scene and the RSPCA are now prosecuting the dog’s owner.

Ian Burns, RSPCA inspector, said: “We’d strongly advise that dogs are never left in cars. We’ve found dogs dead in cars which have been left for only a short space of time – they have a different type of cooling system to people.

“The RSPCA will prosecute anyone mistreating animals in this way. It is so hot at the minute that someone would have to be incredibly stupid to leave their beloved pet in a car to bake. A dog should never be left in a car even in cooler weather.”

Those found guilty of animal cruelty can be sentenced to a maximum of six months in prison and/or given a £20,000 fine.

Police gave warnings to the owner of a terrier puppy left in a car parked outside Iceland, in Avon Place, Melksham, on Saturday and also the owner of a dog left in a pick-up truck parked at the town’s Asda last Wednesday.

Wiltshire Police are now stepping up patrols of car parks and Sgt Jim Suter, based at Trowbridge Police Station, said: “It would appear to be common sense not to leave your dog in a car but it’s surprising the number of people that do.”

Reports of animal cruelty can be made to Wiltshire Police on 101 or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.