POLICE have helped a dog that had been left in a car while temperatures hit 30C outside.

Purbeck Police have issued a warning to pet owners after being called to a dog left in a car this morning.

The dog had been left in the 30-degree heat, with a window left only slightly open, police say.

Officers said the dog was ok, and was given water by members of the public.

The owner was there upon the arrival of the police, and was told the incident would be followed up.

In a Facebook post, Purbeck Police issued a warning to dog owners, and shared a 'dogs die in hot cars' poster. 

Dorset Echo: The poster shared by Purbeck Police following the incidentThe poster shared by Purbeck Police following the incident

They wrote: "Please can I remind people NOT to leave dogs in cars in this heat.

“Myself and PSCO Mike have been called to a dog left in a car this morning in 30 degree heat! it had a window open about 4inches.

“This is not acceptable, leaving windows open is not enough and if we are called and the owner is not there and the dog is distressed we will have no hesitation to break the window to save the dogs life.

“The owner was there upon our arrival and was given strong words of advice and was informed that this will be followed up by a Police Officer in due course.

“The dog was given water by kind members of public and was thankfully ok, hot but ok.

“If you see a dog left in a car in this heat please dial 999.”