A DORSET dog show has faced backlash after announcing it will go ahead this weekend, despite warnings about the heat and dry conditions.

Members of the public have shared their concerns after the Bournemouth Championship Dog Show revealed they would be going ahead with Saturday’s event.

Organisers of the event said it was “definitely not cancelled” despite an amber warning for extreme heat issued by the Met Office.

They wrote on Facebook: “We are all ready to welcome you tomorrow to our first Open Show & the Championship Show on Saturday. The show is definitely NOT cancelled.

"We have a lovely cooling breeze blowing & plenty of shaded areas. We will also have some baths of cool water for your dogs to have a paddle (or you if you like!).”

The post has received negative comments from many concerned members of the public and dog owners, with one person writing: "Come on this is ridiculous you would go ahead, please reconsider and postpone - we can all have paddling pools and shade in our gardens but it is far too hot for dogs to be out in this heat during day.”

Another person wrote: “So how are the dogs supposed to get there? Travelling anywhere in a vehicle is unbearable even for humans at the moment, and dangerously so for dogs.

"Anyone irresponsible enough to take their dog there in this weather should be ashamed of themselves. Saying they “know their dogs” doesn’t prove they truly care for their welfare. Those people should be made to sit in their cars wearing fur coats and hats!"

Earlier in the week, the Ellingham Show announced they would be asking people not to bring dogs to their event over the weekend, and removed all dog shows from their schedule, following expert advice from animal charity the RSPCA.

Christchurch Carnival also cancelled their dog show on Sunday due to similar concerns.

Esme Wheeler, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “We’re concerned to hear of dog shows taking place during the heatwave and would urge organisers to prioritise the welfare of dogs and consider rearranging or cancelling.

“The hot weather has gone from glorious to extreme, and we can’t stress enough how vital it is that pet owners take the situation seriously. That means limiting or skipping walks, only taking very essential car journeys, leaving water available at all times, and preparing damp, cold towels and mats, and frozen treats.

“We’re still getting reports of dogs being left in cars, and seeing a lot of dogs being taken to busy outdoor events like festivals, shows and fetes, and to the beach. Don’t be that person who is dragging their panting dog along the pavement or plodding around a show. Please leave them at home in the cool where they’ll be safe.

“Knowing how to try and prevent heatstroke, and also how to spot the signs of heatstroke in pets could be a matter of life and death, so we’re urging anyone with a pet - whether it’s a dog or cat, a rabbit or guinea pig, and even chickens, horses and exotic animals - to put aside some time today to read up and make plans.”