RSPCA officers have rescued six animals from cars parked in hot weather at the Badminton Horse Trials.

The charity said three pets were rescued from vehicles yesterday (Thursday, May 5) on the first day of competition and a further three had been removed from vehicles so far today (Friday, May 6).

A spokesman said they were working alongside police at the event, which attracts 150,000 visitors over three days.

Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 20C this weekend and the RSCPA is warning pet owners not to leave cats and dogs in hot cars or caravans, or in a conservatory or outbuilding, where temperatures can quickly rise to 47C which can result in death.

Last month, RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes left a thermometer in his van in 15C heat and left it for an hour to see what temperature it would reach inside his vehicle. Within just 60 minutes, the temperature had climbed to 43.5C.

Inspector Joynes said: “In an emergency, it is best to dial 999 and report a dog in a hot car to police. The RSPCA may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, we’d need police assistance at such an incident.

“If the animal is displaying any sign of heatstroke - such as panting heavily, drooling excessively, is lethargic or uncoordinated, or collapsed and vomiting - call 999 immediately.”

The charity warns anyone who breaks into a car to free an animal to tell the police of their intentions and take photographs or footage of the pet. The law states that you have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances.

Once removed from the car, move the dog to a shaded/cool area and douse him/her with cool water. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water.

If the dog isn’t displaying signs of heatstroke, establish how long the dog has been in the car and make a note of the registration. Ask a member of staff to make an announcement of the situation over the tannoy, if possible, and get someone to stay with the dog to monitor its condition.

The RSCPA has a 24-hour emergency cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 for advice but, in a dog is in danger, dialling 999 should always be the first step.