Concerned members of the public in Dorset made eight calls reporting dogs left in cars during the course of the recent mini heatwave.

Between Monday, May 28 and Sunday, June 3, as temperatures hit the mid-20s, RSPCA officials were called to a number of incidents across the county.

During one incident at Sainsbury's in Sherborne on June 3, a dog was left "crying and howling" in a vehicle for around 10 minutes in the heat.

Managers at the superstore said they repeatedly called for the owner to return to his car over the tannoy.

The messages may have been 'ignored', it was said.

Anyone concerned about a dog left in a hot car should contact police on 999.

Holly Barber, who manages the RSPCA's 'dogs die in hot cars' campaign, urged all pet owners never to leave their animals in hot vehicles, caravans, conservatories and outbuildings.

“It’s difficult to understand why we are still receiving so many calls when the weather improves and why owners are still dicing with their pet’s lives," she said.

Many pet owners continue to leave animals unattended in stationary vehicles parked in the shade. Some leave windows open.

Holly said: “It’s simple - never leave your pet alone in a hot environment.

"Whether you’re popping into the shop for a newspaper or nipping into a pharmacy to pick up a prescription, please don’t take the risk."

Lisa Hens, a dog welfare expert for the RSPCA, said: “Never leave an animal in a car, caravan, conservatory or outbuilding when it's warm outside as temperatures can quickly rise, even when it doesn’t feel that hot.

"For example, when it’s 22C outside, within an hour the temperature can reach 47C inside a vehicle, which can result in death.

“In an emergency, please dial 999 to report a dog in a hot car to police as they have the power to enter a vehicle to free the dog.

“Sadly, the RSPCA has been made aware of far too many animals perishing inside vehicles due to the heat when their owners simply weren't aware of the dangers of leaving their pets unattended during the warm weather. Please don't take the risk and either keep your dog with you or leave them at home in the cool.”