Owners warned to protect their pets as 100 dogs saved from boiling cars across Scotland

ANIMAL welfare inspectors have rescued more than 100 dogs trapped in hot cars as Scotland sweltered last week.

The Scottish Society for the Protection of Animals said the number of calls made to them about pets in cars has soared compared to last year.

The figures emerged as police in Fife posted a video on social media showing them smashing a car window to rescue a dog.

Now, as forecasters say we are in an official heatwave, the charity has repeated its warning to dog owners about how even cloudy days can pose a threat.

Last year the SSPCA received an average of nine calls-outs a day to dogs left in cars. But 102 reports were made to the charity last week with the highest number, 27, coming during Thursday’s record-breaking day where temperatures soared to 31C in Glasgow.

#DogsDieInHotCars – don't risk it.

Call 03000 999 999 if you have any concerns. pic.twitter.com/47HA4svy0r

— SCOTTISH SPCA (@ScottishSPCA) June 25, 2018

An SSPCA spokeswoman said an inspector was sent out in each case.

“In general we would go out and check that the animal was OK. If the owner is not about and we were concerned for the animal’s life, we would break into the car.”

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. Being left inside a hot vehicle causes dogs to pant to try to cool down and this can lead to severe dehydration and hyperventilation which is extremely dangerous.

“Our advice is that owners should leave their dogs at home.”