With temperatures expected to exceed 30C from today and warm weather predicted to last for a fortnight, Sheppey RSPCA has warned about the dangers of leaving dogs in cars.

The group’s chairman Angela Walder says she had received three calls this week from people about the issue.

One “huge German Shepherd” had reportedly been left in a vehicle parked in Neats Court, Queenborough, as temperatures started to rise yesterday morning.

Ms Walder said: “I told the person to either put the car’s windows in or call community police.

“I believe she reported it to police.

“People need to understand how hot it gets in cars, so do not under any circumstances leave your dogs in there unattended.

“Even if you open a window, it makes no difference.”

If anyone sees a dog a distress in a hot car, RSPCA advice is to dial 999.