The RSPCA in Bradford has urged dog owners to leave their pets at home in the heat after it was alerted to five more incidents of dogs being left in hot cars in the district.

The Telegraph & Argus revealed last week how a brindle Staffordshire bitch died in agony in a car outside the Woolpack, Esholt, which used to feature in Emmerdale, as the dog’s owners enjoyed Sunday lunch and drinks last weekend. There was no suggestion any of the pub’s staff could have been aware of the incident.

And yesterday, Terry Singh, general manager of the charity’s Bradford centre, warned dog owners to be responsible, at a time when temperatures have been soaring.

“When we have weather like this, I believe you shouldn’t take your animal out with you but leave it at home instead,” he said.

“It is totally irresponsible to put a dog in a hot car. Even having the windows down is not adequate or suitable.

“People in cars have the choice to open windows or doors or move to the shade. Animals don’t. Some people even keep their dogs on leashes so they can’t move out of the heat.

“We get reports of dogs in hot cars every time there is hot weather. It seems that people don’t take it seriously enough.”

“The temperate outside won’t be as high as the temperate inside a car, even if it’s parked in the shade. It can be like an oven inside, like a sauna.”

About 350 calls about animals trapped in hot cars came into the RSPCA’s National Control Centre over the weekend of July 6 and 7.

The Bradford branch of the charity posted a warning on its Facebook page this week, saying it was aware of five incidents in the area.

Some people replied asking what they should do if they see a dog trapped in the heat.

Mr Singh said: “People who see a dog in a hot car need to follow the legal process, ring the police straight away and get our inspectors involved. Time is of the essence.

“Someone on our Facebook page asked if you can smash a window, but you can’t do that as you might get into trouble yourself.

“Allowing your animal to suffer is a crime and it is totally irresponsible. People have lost their pets because of their own irresponsible actions.”

Under the Animal Welfare Act, owners have a legal duty to care to their animal and if they put their animal at risk, could face prosecution. Anyone who sees a dog in a car on a warm day should call police.