A DOG was left in a car in Troon as temperatures reached over 27 degrees last week.

On Wednesday, June 26, it is understood that police received a call at around 4.45pm in relation to a dog being left in a car, however, the owners returned a short time later.

The Scottish SPCA are now launching their annual campaign to highlight the severity of leaving dogs in hot cars.

The charity has seen a 47 per cent increase in calls compared to last year – an average of nine call per day – with 548 calls about dogs in hot cars being received this year.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We run a campaign every summer to highlight the consequences of leaving dogs in hot cars, but some owners simply are not getting the message and we fear that they don’t fully appreciate the dangers they are putting their animals in.

“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 if they are going to be left in the car for any length of time at all.

“Anyone who comes across a distressed dog left in a vehicle should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999 or police.”