An animal charity says it was called to more than a dozen reports of animals being left in hot environments in one week alone.

Statistics released by the RSPCA reveal 13 calls were made reporting animals being left in sweltering conditions from August 21 to Bank Holiday Monday.

Nationally the charity was called to 388 reports of animals being left somewhere where they were likely to overheat.

RSPCA campaign manager Holly Barber said: "It’s really worrying that despite all of our campaign activity and publicity this summer, hundreds of people are still putting their pets in perilously dangerous situations.

"Our main advice to owners is not to leave dogs in cars and our main advice to passers-by is to call 999 if they’re concerned about an animal in a hot environment.

"People continue to put their pets’ lives at risk" - RSPCA campaign manager Holly Barber

"Despite these clear and simple messages, people continue to put their pets’ lives at risk by leaving them shut inside vehicles when the temperature outside is nearing 30°C.

"And while many well-intentioned people concerned for the welfare of the animal are alerting us, we would urge them to call police instead as they can often get there quicker and have the power to break into a vehicle to get animals out of danger.

"My fear is that, unless people seriously consider the danger they are putting their pets in, more dogs will lose their lives this summer due to their owner’s ignorance."