AS TEMPERATURES continue to soar the RSPCA is warning animal owners not to leave their pets in cars.

The animal welfare charity, which last year secured 15 convictions relating to dogs being left in hot cars, says there is no safe way to leave a pet in a vehicle on a warm day.

Martyn Hubbard, RSPCA superintendent for the area, said: "We are urging people to put the welfare of their pet first.

"In one incident two dogs were in a state of near collapse after being left in a hot car by their owners for two hours in a car park." He added that dogs are not the only animals who suffer in hot weather.

Animals should have access to shade and drinking water at all times and pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs must be in hutches which have access to shade.

The RSPCA is also urging people who are preparing to go off on holiday not to leave their pets to fend for themselves.

Martyn added: "People seem to think that if they leave seven bowls of food, their pet will be fine left alone for a week.

"A pet can only be looked after properly with daily attention and in the past we have prosecuted people who've gone on holiday and left their pets alone. Catteries and kennels are the safest places for cats and dogs."

Goldfish bowls and tanks should be moved out of direct sunlight and people with ponds in their gardens are reminded to check the water level regularly and occasionally spray a hose over the pond to replace lost oxygen.

Sunscreen can also be applied to the white tips of cats ears and noses.