Reports of dogs left in hot cars double

Reports of dogs left in hot cars have doubled in Scotland as police broke a window to rescue a “boiling” animal.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) said it received 22 reports on Wednesday of dogs trapped in vehicles in the sweltering heat compared to last year’s average of nine a day.

It has had a total of 521 calls so far this year - 41 per cent up on the same period in 2017.

The figures came as police freed a dog overheating in a car at Leuchars in Fife on Wednesday.

They tweeted: “We’ve just been forced to smash a car window to free a dog from a hot car. Officers in the car state it was ‘boiling’.

“The dog has been given water & has been taken to the vets. We will be taking further action.”

Officers added later: “He’s been checked over by a vet 0 Mike Flynn says windows must be left open who has no further concerns about his welfare.

“The owner has been traced and charged with causing an animal unnecessary suffering. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

SSPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Many people might not realise that even on warm, cloudy days, cars can effectively turn into ovens and dogs can overheat in minutes. Leaving a window open and providing water is not enough.”