Police were forced to smash the windows of a boiling hot car as they saved multiple pooches from sweltering vehicles around the country.
In one incident, officers were called to a car park in Plymouth, Devon, after shoppers saw a dog trapped in the back of a vehicle yesterday.
They smashed the window and rescued the dog - which appeared visibly excited to be released.
Posting the image on Twitter , the Charles Cross Police Team commented: "He was very happy to be set free!"
An RSPCA inspector was also called to the scene where it is believed the dog had been in the car from 2pm until just after 4pm.
The dog was taken to be examined by a vet before a decision is made on a possible animal cruelty prosecution.
Officers who attended said the family were not happy when they returned and found their car window had been smashed.
PCSO Tracy Cunningham said that just as they were arranging a transporter to remove the car the owners arrived: "They weren't happy with us because their window was put in."
She said it was explained to the family that the matter was serious and police had the right and powers to free the dog due to the heat and risk to its life.
In a separate incident described by West Yorkshire Police, a dog was left in a hot car while the owner did some shopping in a Sainsbury's.
A police officer said the dog was actually starting to pant and overheat within 10 minutes.
He tweeted about the incident, warning how serious it can be - even using the hashtag 'dogs die in hot cars'.
Sgt Micklethwaite tweeted: "Just been waved down and alerted to a dog left in a car.
"Owner had gone shopping in the adjacent Supermarket.
"Tannoy Announcement made, owner returned.
"In the space of less than 10mins the dog was starting to pant / overheat. Just don’t do it."
One social media replied to the tweet saying: "Glad dog OK, owners don't think!"
