A MAJOR warning has been issued to all dog owners over a "lethal mistake" that could see you fined £5,000.
Cops raised the alarm after officers were forced to smash a car window to free a pooch in danger.
Derbyshire Police responded to reports on Wednesday after the four-legged animal was spotted in distress.
It had been left inside a "very hot" Citroen Picasso in Clay Cross by an "irresponsible dog owner".
The incident sparked a warning from the force that cars can become "hot as an oven" even in spring months such as April.
A spokesperson said: "Many people think it's OK to leave their dog in the car if they're parked in the shade or the windows are open.
"When it's 22 degrees outside, the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour.
"It's very dangerous and will cause your dog suffering and harm."
The RSPCA urged anyone who sees a dog inside a vehicle showing signs of heat stroke to call 999.
You should also do your best to locate the pet's owner.
If you're near a shop, notify staff and security who will more than likely try to use the tannoy to arouse their attention.
If the intent of you forcing entry is to rescue a distressed animal, you may be legally permitted to do so.
Solicitor Matthew Reynolds, who works for Kirwans law firm, told : "Although smashing a window to rescue a distressed dog in a locked vehicle could lead to a charge of criminal damage, you would have a lawful excuse to smash the window if you believed that the owner of the vehicle would have consented to the damage, had they been aware of the circumstances.
"It would also be a defence to a charge of criminal damage if you smashed the window to protect the owner's property (the dog) in the belief that the dog was in need of immediate protection and that smashing the window was reasonable in the circumstances to achieve that aim.
"If you do remove a dog from a car, tell the police what you intend to do and why. It would also be a good idea to take photographs or video of the dog and contact details of any witnesses to the incident."
It comes after an animal expert pleaded with dog owners not to make this mistake ahead of summer road trips.
Elsewhere, one vet issued a stern warning and revealed the five urgent signs your dog may have heatstroke.
According to the RSPCA, Brits could end up with a criminal record if something happens to their dog after it's left alone in a car.
It is not illegal to leave a pet unattended in a vehicle but if the animal becomes ill or dies as a result, you could be charged with animal cruelty.
If convicted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, drivers can be jailed for six months and slapped with an unlimited fine.
Motorists also face being slapped with nine point on their driving licence.
In May 2017, a motorist was given an 18-week prison sentence suspended for two years, banned from keeping animals for ten years, and ordered to pay £1,900 in fines after his three dogs died.
Jonathan Theobald had left the pets in his car for five hours and said he "misjudged the weather very badly".
Motorists should be more aware of the dangers of leaving pets shut in a car.
But even in normal weather, a car can quickly become "as hot as an oven".
A car sitting in 24C conditions outside can reach 34C in just ten minutes and a dangerous 43C after half an hour - making it risky to leave your pet alone even for a short time.
Some people think leaving the window open a crack or parking in the shade is enough to keep a dog comfortable.
But the RSPCA warns even with those measures a car can become like a sauna very quickly.
When the temperature is a relatively cool 22C, the inside of a car can rise to 47C in just 60 minutes.
The RSPCA's website warns: “Many people still believe that it’s OK to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they’re parked in the shade, but the truth is, it’s still a very dangerous situation for the dog.
“A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm.”
In June 2018, two police officers in York were forced to smash a car's window to free two Labradors left for half an hour in 28C heat.
For more information you can contact the RSPCA’s specialist helpline on 0300 1234 999.
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