POLICE officers were forced to smash the window of a van after spotting two dogs inside.
The incident took place in Station Car Park, Minehead, at around 7pm on Sunday evening (June 24).
Temperatures remained high throughout the evening, sparking concern for PC Joe Sanderson.
The van, towing a caravan, was sparked in the car park when owners discovered the glass had been smashed.
ENTRY: The smashed window of the van. PIC: PC Joe Sanderson
The owners of the dogs have now been reported to the RSPCA.
PC Sanderson said: "Do not leave dogs unattended in hot vehicles.
"This window was smashed in Minehead today in order to protect the two dogs inside.
"The details of the owners will be passed to the RSPCA.
"Thank you to the person who reported this to us."
But breaking into a car yourself when you spot a dog inside is not something Avon and Somerset Police would advise.
The message is to call 999 in an emergency.
A spokesman said: "No, this is not what we would advise, because we couldn't guarantee someone breaking into a car wouldn't face criminal damage charges.
"We would always advise people to call the police - on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
"Officers are able to gain access to cars to free an animal which is in danger."
SAVED: One of the dogs having a drink. PIC: PC Joe Sanderson
Even RSPCA officers are unable to gain entry to a car to save a dog.
A spokesman for the charity said: "Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them or their much loved family pet, yet every year many people still gamble with their dog’s life and every summer dogs die in hot cars.
"Many people still believe that it’s ok to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they are parked in the shade.
"The truth is it’s still very dangerous and while not every dog left in this situation will die, at the very least they are likely to experience distress, discomfort and anxiety.
"A car can become an oven very quickly even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When it is 22°c outside - within an hour - the temperature in a car can reach an unbearable 47°c."
The charity says it receives thousands of calls about dogs in hot cars.
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