TWO dogs had to be rescued on Monday after being left in sweltering conditions inside a car.

RSPCA officers had to formally warn the owner of the car, parked at the Three Counties Showground during the Three Counties Championship Dog Show, after the animals were found suffering in temperatures as high as 47C.

Now, the RSPCA has teamed up with the organisers of the Three Counties Show, which takes place this weekend, to warn people not to leave their pets unattended in cars as this could have fatal consequences. People attend from across the region, some bringing their dogs with them. However, only assistance and participating dogs are allowed into the ground, and anyone coming along with their pet dog will be turned away.

RSPCA officers are set to attend this weekend's show. Every year, they say they are amazed as people continue to bring their dogs with them, intent on leaving them in the stifling heat of their vehicle.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Lee Hopgood said that last year, inspectors dealt with more than 40 cases of animals being left in cars at the show ground.

He added: "This behaviour is putting the life of their animal at great risk and is simply not acceptable - that's why I'm urging people to think about the welfare of their pet.

"Animals left in hot cars can very quickly die of heat stroke and I'm concerned this message is not getting across." Owners who put an animal at risk could face fines of up to £5,000 and or a six-month prison sentence."