DOG owners have been ignoring warnings and leaving their pets locked in hot cars where they are in danger of being cooked alive.

The RSPCA was called out to an incident in Kent where a dog had already died after being left in a car while the owner visited a leisure attraction. The owners are being interviewed with a view to a possible prosecution.

The RSPCA's South East regional superintendent Alan Goddard said: "A dog left in a warm car, conservatory, greenhouse, caravan or shed will quickly begin to suffer from heatstroke and can die an agonising death.

“On a warm day these places can resemble an oven and each year dogs left alone like this die after literally being cooked alive.

"Owners must realise there is no safe way to leave a dog like this in warm weather. Even when the weather is not particularly hot, dogs can suffer from heatstroke as up to 90 per cent of their body is covered in hair. Leaving windows open and a bowl of water is not enough."

Anyone found guilty of causing suffering to an animal under the 1911 Protection of Animals Act faces up to a £5,000 fine and/or six months in prison. Owners can also be banned from keeping animals, possibly for life.

The RSPCA’s Kent spokeswoman, Klare Kennet told KM-fm's James Phillis how serious the problem is...