TWELVE organisations have teamed up to warn dog owners about the dangers of leaving their pets in hot cars.

Cheshire has seen a sharp rise in dogs suffering from heat exposure, with 182 incidents reported last year compared to 160 in 2014 and 80 the year before.

Various animal charities, welfare organisations and the police are among groups working to promote the ‘Dogs Die in Hot Cars’ campaign and raise awareness of the issue.

The RSPCA receives thousands of calls each year reporting dogs suffering from heat exposure in cars, caravans and conservatories, equating to around one call every hour.

Already this summer, the RSPCA has been called to three incidents where a dog has died in a hot car.

The campaign, in its second year, hopes to bring down the number of cases and warn people that outside temperatures can more than double inside a car over the space of an hour.

It has also published advice on how to report and handle the issue, such as informing nearby staff, recording the number plate and, in extreme circumstances, calling 999.

While smashing a car window can be classed as criminal damage, it is classed as acceptable if you believe the owner would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances.

In this scenario, it is vital to tell the police of your intentions and get the names and contact details of any witnesses.

Once removed from a car, people are urged to move the dog towards a cool, shaded area and offer it small amounts of cool water.

For more information and full list of partners, visit rspca.org.uk.