With the Government easing some driving restrictions and a heatwave sweeping across England ahead of the Bank Holiday, animal welfare charities and vets are reminding pet owners not to leave their dogs in a car even for a short time.

The British Veterinary Association has teamed up with a coalition of rescue and rehoming charities, police, and welfare organisations to highlight the dangers of warm weather to dogs as part of the annual Dogs Die in Hot Cars campaign.

The coalition group is launching this year’s campaign just a week after the Government announcement allowing families to go out in their cars for exercise and leisure again, providing they adhere to social distancing.

BVA president Daniella Dos Santos said: “Vets all too often see the unfortunate and sometimes tragic consequences of dogs being left on their own in cars on a warm day.

“With warm days forecast, more people are expected to take car journeys for exercise or leisure to take advantage of the sunshine.

“We’d urge owners not to leave any animal in a car while out and about, even if it is for a short trip to the supermarket. Temperatures can rise quickly inside a vehicle even when it doesn’t feel that hot outside, which is why ‘not long’ can end up being too long for your beloved pet.”