PEOPLE are being reminded of the danger of leaving dogs in hot cars in the summer.

Research by Dogs Trust has revealed that one in four UK dog owners admitted to leaving their dogs unattended in cars, and half of people in the south west believe it is all right to leave a dog in a car if countermeasures are taken.

But partially lowering the window has no significant effect on the temperature inside a parked car.

Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust chief executive, said: “The saddest thing is that these dogs are often much loved family pets, but the owners simply do not appreciate how quickly a dog can die in a hot car, where temperatures can reach the same as an oven.”

The charity’s message is never to leave a dog in a parked car.

For more details and advice visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.